HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP INC
424B3, 1998-02-03
SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED
Previous: HEALTHCARE CAPITAL CORP, 8-A12B, 1998-02-03
Next: WORLD OMNI 1997 A AUTOMOBILE LEASE SECURITIZATION TRUST, 8-K, 1998-02-03




PROSPECTUS
                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES, INC.

         From 19,731,024 (minimum) to 26,694,915 Shares of Common Stock
                              (anticipated maximum)
                         $10.00 Per Share Purchase Price

         Harbor Florida  Bancshares,  Inc.  ("Bancshares" or  the "Company"),  a
Delaware  corporation,  is  offering  up to  26,694,915  shares  (which  may  be
increased to 30,699,152 shares under certain  circumstances  described below) of
its common stock, par value $.10 per share  (the "Common Stock"),  in connection
with (i) the Exchange  described  herein to be effected in  connection  with the
Conversion of Harbor  Financial,  M.H.C.  (the "Mutual Holding Company") and the
Reorganization in which Harbor Florida Bancorp,  Inc. ("Bancorp") and the Mutual
Holding  Company  will be merged into Harbor  Federal  Savings Bank (the "Bank")
with the result that  Bancshares will become the holding company of the Bank and
(ii) the Offerings described herein.

         The   Offerings.   In   addition  to  the   Exchange,   nontransferable
subscription  rights to  subscribe  for up to  14,490,000  shares  (which may be
increased to 16,663,500 shares under certain  circumstances  described below) of
Common Stock (the  "Conversion  Stock") have been granted to certain  members of
the  Bank as of  specified  record  dates,  and to the ESOP  (the  "Subscription
Offering"), subject to the limitations described herein. Commencing concurrently
with the  Subscription  Offering,  and subject to the prior rights of holders of
subscription rights, the right of the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company,  Bancorp
and  Bancshares  (the  "Primary  Parties")  to reject such orders in whole or in
part, and the other  limitations  described  herein,  Bancshares is offering the
shares of Conversion Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription  Offering,  if
any, for sale to stockholders of Bancorp as of December 31, 1997, other than the
Mutual  Holding  Company (the  "Eligible  Public  Stockholders")  in the "Public
Stockholder  Offering".  After satisfying those with subscription rights and the
Eligible Public Stockholders,  Bancshares is offering shares of conversion stock
in a community  offering (the  "Community  Offering") to certain  members of the
general  Public  to  whom a copy  of  this  Prospectus  and an  Order  Form  and
certification  form ("Order  Form") is delivered by or on behalf of  Bancshares,
with preference given to natural persons residing in the Bank's Local Community.
The Primary  Parties have  determined  the Bank's Local  Community to be the six
Florida counties of Volusia,  Brevard, Indian River, Martin,  Okeechobee and St.
Lucie. (The Subscription Offering,  Eligible Public Stockholder Offering and the
Community Offering are referred to collectively as the "Offerings"). The Primary
Parties have engaged Friedman, Billings, Ramsey &

<PAGE>

Co.,  Inc.  ("FBR"  or the  "Agent")  to  consult  with and  advise  them in the
Conversion,  and  Reorganization  and FBR has agreed to use its best  efforts to
solicit  subscriptions and purchase orders for shares of Conversion Stock in the
Subscription and Community Offerings.  See "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION --
Marketing Arrangements."

         The  Subscription  Offering  will  terminate at Noon,  Florida Time, on
March 6, 1998 (the "Expiration  Date"),  unless extended by the Primary Parties,
with  approval of the OTS, if necessary.  The Community  Offering is expected to
terminate at the same time as the Subscription  Offering. The Community Offering
must be completed within 45 days after the close of the  Subscription  Offering,
or April 20, 1998,  unless  extended by the Primary Parties with the approval of
the OTS, if necessary. The latest possible extension date under the rules of the
OTS is 24 months  from the date of the  approval of the Plan of  Conversion  and
Reorganization.  Orders  submitted are  irrevocable  until the completion of the
Conversion   and   Reorganization;   provided   that,  if  the   Conversion  and
Reorganization  are not  completed  within the 45 day period  referred to above,
unless such period has been  extended with the consent of the OTS, if necessary,
all subscribers will have their funds returned  promptly with interest,  and all
withdrawal   authorizations   will  be  cancelled.   See  "THE   CONVERSION  AND
REORGANIZATION -- The Offerings" and " -- Subscription Offering."

         The Exchange.  Pursuant  to a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization and
Plan of Merger (the "Plan" or "Plan of Conversion and  Reorganization")  adopted
by the Primary  Parties,  the Mutual  Holding  Company  will be  converted to an
interim  federal  stock  association  and  eventually  merged into the Bank upon
consummation of a series of transactions  described herein  (collectively,  with
the  Offerings,  the  "Conversion  and  Reorganization").  As a  result  of  the
Conversion and  Reorganization,  each of the 2,654,369 shares of common stock of
Bancorp ("Bancorp Common Stock") held by the Mutual Holding Company  immediately
prior to the Conversion and  Reorganization -- will be cancelled and each of the
2,319,059  shares of Common  Stock  held by  stockholders  other than the Mutual
Holding Company (the "Public Bancorp Shares" held by the "Public Stockholders"),
will receive Common Stock in an Exchange (the "Exchange  Shares")  pursuant to a
ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") that will result in the Public  Stockholders owning
in the aggregate  approximately  the same percentage of the  outstanding  Common
Stock  immediately  following  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  subject to
certain  adjustments  described in "THE  CONVERSION  AND  REORGANIZATION  -- The
Exchange Ratio."


                                       ii
<PAGE>

               FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE
                    CONSIDERED BY EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR,
                 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 19 HEREOF.

                                   ----------

          FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO SUBSCRIBE FOR SHARES OF CONVERSION
                 STOCK, PLEASE CALL THE STOCK INFORMATION CENTER
                       AT (561) 466-6388 OR 1-888-613-2262
                                   (Toll-Free)

                                   ----------

            THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS
             ACCOUNTS OR DEPOSITS AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
         DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

                                   ----------

THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION,  THE OFFICE OF THRIFT  SUPERVISION,  OR ANY OTHER  FEDERAL
AGENCY OR STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS SUCH COMMISSION,  OFFICE OR OTHER
AGENCY   PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS   PROSPECTUS.   ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=========================================================================================
                                                        Estimated Fees,
                                                         Underwriting
                                                       Commissions and
                                                        Reorganization       Estimated
                                  Purchase Price(l)       Expenses(2)     Net Proceeds(3)
                                  -----------------      -----------      ---------------
<S>                                 <C>                  <C>               <C>         
Minimum Per Share ...............   $      10.00         $     0.14        $       9.86
Midpoint Per Share ..............   $      10.00         $     0.13        $       9.87
Maximum Per Share ...............   $      10.00         $     0.12        $       9.88
Maximum Per Share, as adjusted(4)   $      10.00         $     0.11        $       9.89
Total Minimum ...................   $107,100,000         $1,488,990        $105,611,010
Total Midpoint ..................   $126,000,000         $1,619,400        $124,380,600
Total Maximum ...................   $144,900,000         $1,749,810        $143,150,190
Total Maximum, as adjusted(4) ...   $166,635,000         $1,899,782        $164,735,218

=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Based upon the minimum,  midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum of the
     Offering  Price  Range,  respectively.  Does  not include  shares of Common
     Stock to be issued to Eligible Public Stockholders in the Exchange.

(2)  Consists of the  estimated  costs to the Primary  Parties to be incurred in
     connection  with the Conversion  and  Reorganization,  including  estimated
     fixed expenses of $750,000 and marketing fees and reimbursable  expenses to
     be paid to Friedman,  Billings,  Ramsey & Co., Inc. in connection  with the
     Offerings   See   "THE   CONVERSION   AND   REORGANIZATION   --   Marketing
     Arrangements." The actual fees and expenses may vary substantially from the
     estimates.  See "PRO FORMA DATA." The fees paid to the Friedman,  Billings,
     Ramsey & Co. may be deemed to be underwriting fees.

(3)  Actual net proceeds may vary substantially from estimated amounts depending
     on the  number of shares  sold in the  Offerings  and  other  factors.  See
     "CAPITALIZATION" and "PRO FORMA DATA."

(4)  Gives  effect to an  increase  in the number of shares  which  could  occur
     without a resolicitation of subscribers or any right of cancellation due to
     an increase in the  Offering  Price Range of up to 15% above the maximum of
     the  Offering  Price  Range  to reflect  changes  in  market and  financial
     conditions following commencement  of the  Offerings.  See "THE  CONVERSION
     AND REORGANIZATION -- Stock Pricing and Number of Shares To Be Issued."


                                      iii

<PAGE>


         Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription  Rights and Shares.  No person
may transfer or enter into any agreement or  understanding to transfer the legal
or  beneficial  ownership of the  subscription  rights  issued under the Plan of
Conversion  and  Reorganization  or the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon
their exercise.  Each person exercising  subscription rights will be required to
certify  that a  purchase  of Common  Stock is solely  for the  purchaser's  own
account and that there is no agreement or  understanding  regarding  the sale or
transfer of such shares.  See "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- Restrictions
on Transfer of Subscription  Rights and Shares." The Primary Parties will pursue
any and all legal and  equitable  remedies in the event they become aware of the
transfer  of  subscription  rights  and will not honor  orders  known by them to
involve the transfer of such rights.

         Purchase Limitations.  The Plan sets forth various purchase limitations
which are applicable in the Offerings.  The minimum purchase is 25 shares.  With
the  exception of the ESOP,  the maximum  number of shares of  Conversion  Stock
which may be purchased by any person (or persons through a single account) shall
not exceed, when combined with Exchange Shares, $500,000 (or 50,000 shares). The
Plan  also  provides  that the  maximum  number  of  shares  of  Conversion  and
Reorganization  Stock which may be subscribed for or purchased in all categories
in the Conversion by any person  together with any associate or group of persons
acting in concert shall not exceed such number of shares of Conversion  Stock as
shall equal, when combined with Exchange Shares,  $4,750,000 (or 475,000 shares)
except for the Tax Qualified  Employee  Benefit Plans which in the aggregate may
subscribe  for 10% of the  Conversion  Stock.  Directors  and  officers  may not
purchase  in the  aggregate  more  than 25% of the  total  number  of  shares of
Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings, including any shares which may be issued
in the event of an  increase  in the  maximum  of the  Offering  Price  Range to
reflect  changes  in  market,   financial,  or  economic  conditions  after  the
commencement  of the  Subscription  Offering and prior to the  completion of the
Offerings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary unless otherwise required by
the OTS,  Public  Stockholders  will not have to sell Bancorp Common Stock or be
limited in receiving  Exchange  Shares even if their ownership of Company shares
when converted into Exchange Shares would exceed an applicable limitation.


                                       iv

<PAGE>

         Required   Approvals.   The   consummation   of  the   Conversion   and
Reorganization is subject to the receipt of various regulatory approvals and the
approval of the members of the Mutual Holding  Company and the  stockholders  of
Bancorp in the manner set forth herein.  See "THE CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION
- -- Required Approvals."

         Market for Common Stock. The Public Bancorp Shares are currently quoted
on the NASDAQ  National Market under the symbol "HARB." After the Conversion and
Reorganization,  shares of Bancshares  will trade on the Nasdaq  National Market
under the same symbol. See "MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK."

         This Prospectus contains  forward-looking  statements which reflect the
Primary Parties' views regarding future events and financial performance. Actual
results  could differ  materially  from those  projected in the  forward-looking

                                       v

<PAGE>


statements as a results of risks and  uncertainties  including,  but not limited
to, those found in the Risk Factors section.  The words "believe," "expect," and
"anticipate"  and  similar  expressions  identify  forward-looking   statements.
Readers  are  cautioned  not to place undue  reliance  on these  forward-looking
statements which speak only as of their dates. The Primary Parties  undertake no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements,  whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless such update is
deemed material to the Public  Stockholders.  The Risk Factors discussion begins
on page 19 of this Prospectus.

                                       vi

<PAGE>

                                     SUMMARY

         This  summary  is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by the  more  detailed
information  regarding  Bancshares,  Bancorp and the Mutual Holding Company, and
the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  Bancorp  and  the  Notes  thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.


Harbor Florida Bancshares, Inc.

         Harbor   Florida   Bancshares,   Inc.  is  a  newly  created   Delaware
corporation,  organized in November  1997.  It was organized at the direction of
the Board of  Directors  of the Bank to acquire  and hold all of the Bank Common
Stock and to facilitate the Conversion  and  Reorganization.  Bancshares has not
engaged in any significant  business to date.  Bancshares has applied to the OTS
for  authority to acquire 100% of the Bank Common Stock and become a savings and
loan holding  company.  That application has been approved by the OTS subject to
certain conditions. After the Conversion and Reorganization,  Bancshares will be
100% publicly owned and serve as a holding company of the Bank. Its Common Stock
will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under
Section  12(g) of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as amended  (the
"Exchange Act.").


Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc.

         Harbor Florida  Bancorp,  Inc. is a Delaware  corporation  organized in
December of 1996. It is currently the mid-tier  holding  company (the  "Mid-Tier
Holding  Company") for Harbor  Federal  Savings Bank. At present,  53.37% of the
Bancorp Common Stock is held by the Mutual Holding Company.  The other 46.63% of
the  Bancorp  Common  Stock is held by the Public  Stockholders.  Bancorp has no
other business or activities  other than acting as the holding company of Harbor
Federal  Savings Bank.  Pursuant to the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancorp
will, after a series of transactions,  merge with the Bank, with the Bank as the
survivor, and Bancorp will cease to exist and its successor, Bancshares, will be
100% publicly owned. Bancshares will own 100% of Harbor Federal Savings Bank.


Harbor Federal Savings Bank

         Harbor Federal Savings & Loan  Association was established in 1934 as a
federally  chartered  savings  association.  Harbor  Federal  Savings  Bank is a
federally chartered stock savings bank that was organized on January 6, 1994, as
a subsidiary of the Mutual Holding Company.  In connection with the organization
of the Mutual Holding Company (the "MHC Reorganization"), Harbor Federal Savings
& Loan Association  transferred  substantially all of its assets and liabilities
to the Bank in exchange for  2,654,369  shares of common stock (the "Bank Common
Stock") and converted its charter to that of a federal  mutual  holding  company
known as Harbor Financial,  M.H.C. As part of the MHC  Reorganization,  the Bank
sold an additional  2,239,831  shares of Bank Common Stock to certain members of
the general public.

         On June 25, 1997,  pursuant to a reorganization,  all Bank Common Stock
was exchanged on a one-for-one  basis for Bancorp Common Stock. This resulted in
the Bank becoming the 100% owned subsidiary of Bancorp.

         As of September 30, 1997, the Bank had $1.1 billion of total assets, $1
billion of total  liabilities  (including  $922.8 million of deposits) and $85.3
million of stockholders equity.

                                       1
<PAGE>

Harbor Financial, M.H.C.

         Harbor  Financial,  M.H.C.  is a  federally  chartered  mutual  holding
company chartered on January 6, 1994, in connection with the MHC Reorganization.
The Mutual Holding Company's primary asset is 2,654,369 shares of Bancorp Common
Stock, which represents 53.37% of the shares of Bancorp Common Stock outstanding
as of September  30, 1997. As part of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  the
Mutual Holding  Company will convert from mutual form to a federal interim stock
savings  institution  and, after a series of  transactions,  merge into the Bank
with the Bank being the surviving entity. A special  liquidation account for the
benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders of
the Bank will also be established by the Bank. The Bank will then be acquired by
Bancshares  and  become  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Bancshares.  See "THE
CONVERSION  AND  REORGANIZATION  --  Liquidation  Rights"  and  " --  Effect  on
Liquidation Rights."


Purposes of the Conversion and Reorganization

         In their  decision to pursue the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  the
Primary Parties considered various regulatory  uncertainties associated with the
mutual holding company structure including the ability to waive dividends in the
future as well as the general  uncertainty  regarding a possible  elimination of
the federal savings association  charter.  See "RISK FACTORS -- Proposed Federal
Legislation." In addition, the Primary Parties considered the various advantages
of a fully converted stock holding company form of organization  including:  (1)
the larger  capital base of a fully  converted  stock holding  company;  (2) the
enhancement  of  Bancshares'  future  access  to the  capital  markets;  (3) the
increase in the number of outstanding shares of publicly traded stock (which may
increase  the  liquidity of the Common  Stock);  (4) a stock  holding  company's
ability to repurchase  shares of its common stock without  increasing the Mutual
Holding Company's percentage interest in Bancorp; and (5) recent  consolidations
in the  Florida  market  and the  greater  ability to  acquire  other  financial
institutions  or  branches  of  other  financial  institutions.  For  additional
information see "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- Purposes of the Conversion
and Reorganization."


Description of the Conversion and Reorganization

         On September 24, 1997, the Board of Directors of Bancorp and the Mutual
Holding Company adopted the Plan which has subsequently been amended and adopted
by the Bank and Bancshares. Pursuant to the Plan, (i) Bancorp will convert first
into a federal  stock  holding  company and then into an interim  federal  stock
savings bank.  Following its  conversion  into an interim  federal stock savings
bank, it will merge into the Bank with the Bank as the survivor; (ii) the Mutual
Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings institution and
merge with and into the Bank,  pursuant to which the Mutual Holding Company will
cease to exist and the  2,654,369  shares or 53.37% of the  outstanding  Bancorp
Common Stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be cancelled. The Bank will
then  be  acquired  by a  newly  created  Delaware  chartered  holding  company,
Bancshares,  and become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancshares. The outstanding
Public  Bancorp  Shares,  which  amounted to  2,319,059  shares or 46.63% of the
outstanding  Bancorp Common Stock at September 30, 1997,  will be converted into
the Exchange  Shares  pursuant to the Exchange  Ratio,  which will result in the
holders  of such  shares  owning in the  aggregate  approximately  45.72% of the
Common  Stock  to be  outstanding  upon the  completion  of the  Conversion  and
Reorganization. See "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- The Exchange Ratio."

         The following diagram outlines the current organizational  structure of
the Primary Parties' and their ownership interests:

                                       2

<PAGE>

                        CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

               Harbor Financial,               Holders of Public
                     M.H.C.                      Bancorp Shares

                    53.37%                         46.63%

                                 Harbor Florida
                                  Bancorp, Inc.

                                      100%

                                 Harbor Federal
                                  Savings Bank


         The   following   diagrams   reflect  the  steps  in   Conversion   and
Reorganization  as follows:  (i) The Mutual Holding Company will convert into an
interim  federal stock savings bank to be known as Interim Bank #1. Bancorp will
then adopt a federal charter and immediately thereafter an interim federal stock
charter to be known as Interim  Bank #2;  (ii)  Interim  Bank #2 will then merge
into the Bank  ("Merger  #1"),  with the  Bank as the  surviving  entity;  (iii)
immediately  following  Merger #1, Interim Bank #1,  formerly the Mutual Holding
Company, will merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity
("Merger #2"). The shares of Bancorp Common Stock  previously held by the Mutual
Holding Company (now Interim Bank #1) will be cancelled. Eligible members of the
Mutual Holding Company as of certain  specified dates will be granted  interests
in a  liquidation  account  to be  established  by the Bank.  The  amount in the
liquidation  account is the  amount of  dividends  waived by the Mutual  Holding
Company  plus  100% of  retained  earnings  as of June  30,  1993,  or  53.4% of
Bancorp's  total  shareholders'  equity as reflected in its latest  statement of
financial condition;  (iv) Banchares will form an interim corporation  ("Interim
FSB"), a new, wholly owned  first-tier  subsidiary with an interim federal stock
charter;  (vi) immediately  following Merger #2, Interim FSB will merge with and
into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving  entity ("Merger #3"). As a result
of Merger #3, Bank stock  deemed held by Public  Stockholders  will be converted
into Bancshares  stock based upon the Exchange Ratio which is designed to ensure
that the same  Public  Stockholders  will own,  subject to  certain  adjustments
described  in  "THE  CONVERSION  AND  REORGANIZATION  --  The  Exchange  Ratio,"
approximately  the same  percentage  of  Banchares  stock as the  percentage  of
Bancorp  stock  owned  by  them   immediately   prior  to  the   Conversion  and
Reorganization  before  giving  effect  to (a) cash  paid in lieu of  fractional
shares and (b) any shares of Bancshares  stock purchased by Public  Stockholders
in the  Offering  and  subject to an  adjustment  as a result in a change in OTS
policy; (vii) simultaneously with the consummation of Merger #3, Bancshares will
sell  additional  shares of Common  Stock,  with  priority  subscription  rights
granted to certain members of the Mutual Holding Company; depositors of the Bank
and to tax qualified  employee  benefit plans pursuant to the Plan of Conversion
and Reorganization adopted by the Primary Parties.


                                       3

<PAGE>

                            REORGANIZATION - STAGE 1

             MHC/Interim Bank                        Public
                   #1                             Shareholders

                 53.37%                              46.63%

                                 Harbor Florida
                             Bancorp/Interim Bank #2


                                 Harbor Federal
                                  Savings Bank

                                      100%

                                 Harbor Florida
                                   Bancshares
                                   (Interim 1)

                                      100%

                                     Interim
                                       FSB
                                   (Interim 2)


                            REORGANIZATION - STAGE 2

                Purchasers of                  Public Shareholders
               Conversion Stock

                    54.28%                            45.72%

                                 Harbor Florida
                                   Bancshares

                                      100%

                                 Harbor Federal
                                  Savings Bank

                                       4
<PAGE>

         Pursuant  to  OTS  regulations,  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  is conditioned upon the approval of the Plan by the OTS, as well
as (1) the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the total number of
votes  eligible to be cast by the members of the Mutual  Holding  Company (which
consist of depositors and certain  borrowers of the Bank)  ("Members") as of the
close of business on December 31, 1997 (the "Voting Record Date"),  at a special
meeting of Members  called for the purpose of  submitting  the Plan for approval
(the  "Members'  Meeting"),  and (2) the  approval  of the  holders  of at least
two-thirds  of the shares of the  outstanding  Bancorp  Common Stock held by the
Mutual  Holding  Company  and  the  Public   Stockholders   (collectively,   the
"Stockholders"),  as  of  the  Voting  Record  Date,  at a  special  meeting  of
Stockholders  called for the purpose of considering the Plan (the "Stockholders'
Meeting"). In addition, the Primary Parties have conditioned the consummation of
the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  on the  approval of the Plan by at least a
majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, by the Public Stockholders at
the Stockholders'  Meeting. The Conversion and Reorganization is also contingent
on obtaining  various approvals from the OTS. The Mutual Holding Company intends
to vote its  shares  of  Bancorp  Common  Stock, which  amounts to 53.37% of the
outstanding  shares,  in  favor  of the Plan at the  Stockholders'  Meeting.  In
addition,  as of October 31, 1997,  directors and executive officers of the Bank
as a group  (11  persons)  beneficially  owned  311,064  shares  or 6.26% of the
outstanding  Bancorp Common Stock, which shares can also be expected to be voted
in favor of the Plan at the Stockholders' Meeting.

  The Offerings

         Pursuant  to the  Plan  and  in  connection  with  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization,  the  Company is offering up to  14,490,000  shares  (subject to
adjustment of up to 16,663,500  shares) of  Conversion  Stock in the  Offerings.
Conversion  Stock is first  being  offered in the  Subscription  Offering,  with
nontransferable  subscription  rights being granted,  in the following  order of
priority: (i) First Priority, to depositors of the Bank with account balances of
$50.00 or more as of the close of business on July 31, 1996,  ("Eligible Account
Holders");  (ii)  Second  Priority,  to  the  ESOP;  (iii)  Third  Priority,  to
depositors  of the Bank with account  balances of $50.00 or more as of the close
of business on December 31, 1997 ("Supplemental Eligible Account Holders");  and
(iv) Fourth Priority, Depositors of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date (other
than Eligible  Account Holders and  Supplemental  Eligible  Account Holders) and
certain  borrowers  ("Other  Members").  Subscription  rights will expire if not
exercised by Noon, Florida Time, on March 6, 1998, unless extended.

         Subject  to  the  prior  rights  of  holders  of  subscription  rights,
Conversion  Stock  not  subscribed  for in the  Subscription  Offering  is being
offered first to Eligible Public  Stockholders and then in a Community  Offering
to certain  members of the general public to whom a copy of this  Prospectus and
order form is delivered,  with preference  given to natural persons  residing in
the Bank's Local  Community.  The Primary  Parties reserve the absolute right to
reject or accept  any  orders in the  Community  Offering,  in whole or in part,
either at the time of  receipt of an order or as soon as  practicable  following
the Expiration  Date. The closing of all shares sold in the Offerings will occur
simultaneously,  and all  shares of  Conversion  Stock will be sold at a uniform
price of $10.00 per share.

Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Offerings.

         To help ensure that each  purchaser  receives a Prospectus  at least 48
hours before the Expiration  Date in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Exchange
Act, no Prospectus will be mailed any later than five days prior to such date or
hand  delivered  any later than two days prior to such  date.  Execution  of the
order form will confirm receipt or delivery of the Prospectus in accordance with
Rule 15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed with a Prospectus.

         To purchase  shares in the Offerings,  an executed  original order form
with a  certification  form and the required  payment for each share  subscribed
for, or with appropriate  authorization for withdrawal from a deposit account at
the Bank (which may be given by completing the  appropriate  blanks on the order
form), must be

                                       5
<PAGE>


received  by the Bank at any of its  offices by 12 noon,  Florida  Time,  on the
Expiration Date. Order forms which are not received by such time or are executed
defectively  or are received  without full  payment (or  appropriate  withdrawal
instructions)  are not  required  to be  accepted.  The Bank is not  required to
accept orders submitted on facsimilied order forms. The Primary Parties have the
right to waive or permit the  correction of  incomplete  or improperly  executed
forms,  but do not represent that they will do so. The waiver of an irregularity
on an order form,  the  allowance by the Primary  Parties of a correction  of an
incomplete or  improperly  executed  order form,  or the  acceptance of an order
after 12 noon on the Expiration  date in no way obligates the Primary Parties to
waive an  irregularity,  allow a correction,  or accept an order with respect to
any  other  order  form.  The  interpretation  by  the  Primary  Parties  of the
acceptability of an order form will be final.  Once received,  an executed order
form may not be  modified,  amended  or  rescinded  without  the  consent of the
Primary  Parties,  unless the Offerings have not been  completed  within 45 days
after the end of the Subscription,  Eligible Public Stockholders,  and Community
Offerings, unless such period has been extended.

         In order to ensure that Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible
Account  Holders and Other  Members are  properly  identified  as to their stock
purchase  priority,  depositors  as of the close of business on the  Eligibility
Record Date ( July 31,  1996) or the  Supplemental  Eligibility  Record Date and
Voting  Record Date (both of which are December 31, 1997) must list on the order
form all  accounts in which they have an  ownership  interest at the  applicable
eligibility  date,  giving all names in each  account and the  account  numbers.
Members  qualifying for a stock  purchase  priority who add  individuals  with a
lower, or no, stock purchase  priority as subscribers on an order form will have
their stock purchase priority reduced or eliminated based on the lower priority.

         Payment  for  subscriptions  and  orders  may be  made  (i) in  cash if
delivered in person at any office of the Bank,  (ii) by check or money order, or
(iii) by  authorization  of withdrawal from  certificate of deposit  accounts or
IRAs  maintained with the Bank. The Primary Parties may in their sole discretion
elect not to accept  payment for shares of  Conversion  Stock by wired funds and
there shall be no liability  for failure to accept such  payment.  Funds will be
deposited in a segregated account at the Bank and interest will be paid on funds
made by cash,  check or money order at the Bank's passbook rate of interest from
the date payment is received  until  completion or termination of the Conversion
and  Reorganization.  If payment is made by  authorization  of  withdrawal  from
certificate  of deposit  accounts,  the funds  authorized to be withdrawn from a
Bank deposit account may continue to accrue  interest at the  contractual  rates
until completion or termination of the Conversion and Reorganization, but a hold
will be placed on such funds,  thereby making them  unavailable to the depositor
until completion or termination of the Conversion and Reorganization.

         If a subscriber authorizes the Bank to withdraw the aggregate amount of
the  purchase  price  from a  deposit  account,  the  Bank  will do so as of the
effective  date of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  The Bank may waive any
applicable  penalties for early withdrawal from certificate of deposit accounts.
If the remaining  balance in a certificate  of deposit  account is reduced below
the applicable  minimum balance  requirement at the time that the funds actually
are  transferred  under the  authorization,  the  certificate of deposit will be
canceled  at the time of the  withdrawal,  without  penalty,  and the  remaining
balance will earn interest at the passbook rate.

        The ESOP will not be required to pay for the shares  subscribed  for at
the time it subscribes,  but rather may pay for such shares of Conversion  Stock
subscribed for upon  consummation  of the  Offerings,  provided that there is in
force from the time of its subscription  until such time, a loan commitment from
an unrelated  financial  institution or the Company to lend to the ESOP, at such
time, for the aggregate purchase price of the shares for which it subscribed.

         A  depositor  interested  in using  his or her IRA  funds  to  purchase
Conversion Stock must do so through a self-directed IRA. Since the Bank does not
offer such  accounts,  it will allow a  depositor  to make a  trustee-to-trustee
transfer of the IRA funds to a trustee offering a self-directed IRA program with
the agreement that such funds will be used to purchase the  Conversion  Stock in
the  Offerings.  There will be no early withdrawal or IRS

                                       6
<PAGE>


penalties for such transfers. The new trustee would hold the Conversion Stock in
a self-directed account in the same manner as the Bank now holds the depositor's
IRA funds.  An annual  administrative  fee may be  payable  to the new  trustee.
Depositors  interested in using funds in a Bank IRA to purchase Conversion Stock
should  contact  the Stock  Information  Center as soon as  possible so that the
necessary forms may be forwarded for execution prior to the Expiration Date.

         The Primary  Parties  have  retained FBR as  consultant  and advisor in
connection with the Offerings and to assist in soliciting  subscriptions  in the
Offerings on a best efforts basis. See "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- The
Offerings"  " --  Subscription  Offering,"  "--  Community  Offering,"  and " --
Marketing Arrangements."

Purchase Limitations

         The Plan sets forth various purchase  limitations  which are applicable
in the Offerings.  The minimum purchase is 25 shares.  With the exception of the
ESOP, the maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock which may be purchased by
any person (or persons through a single account) shall not exceed, when combined
with Exchange Shares,  $500,000 (or 50,000 shares).  Further,  the Plan provides
that,  except for the Tax Qualified  Employee Stock Benefit  Plans,  the maximum
number of shares of Conversion Stock which may be purchased in all categories in
the Conversion  and  Reorganization  by any person (or persons  through a single
account),  together  with any  associate or group of persons  acting in concert,
when combined  with  Exchange  Shares  equals  $4,750,000  (or 475,000  shares).
Directors  and officers may not purchase in the  aggregate,  when  combined with
Exchange Shares, more than 25% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock
sold in the Offerings,  including any shares which may be issued in the event of
an  increase in the maximum of the  Offering  Price Range to reflect  changes in
market,  financial,  or  economic  conditions  after  the  Commencement  of  the
Subscription   Offering  and  prior  to  the   completion   of  the   Offerings.
Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary,  except as otherwise  required by the
OTS,  Public  Stockholders  will not have to sell Company stock or be limited in
receiving  Exchange  Shares  even if their  ownership  of Company  shares,  when
converted into Exchange Shares, would exceed an applicable limitation.


Stock  Pricing  and  Number  of  Shares  to be  Issued  in  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization

         The Plan of Conversion and  Reorganization  requires that the aggregate
purchase  price of the  Conversion  Stock be based on the  appraisal  of the pro
forma  market  value  of  Bancorp  and the  Bank  on a  consolidated  basis,  as
determined on the basis of an independent  valuation.  The Primary  Parties have
retain RP Financial  ("RP"),  Arlington,  Virginia,  to prepare such independent
valuation (the "Independent Valuation").  The Independent Valuation was prepared
based on the assumption  that the aggregate  amount of Conversion  Stock sold in
the Offerings  would be equal to the estimated pro forma market value of Bancorp
and the Bank,  on a  consolidated  basis,  multiplied  by the  percentage of the
outstanding shares of Bancorp Common Stock held by the Mutual Holding Company as
of the date of the appraisal,  subject to certain adjustments  described in "THE
CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- The Exchange Ratio." The Independent  Valuation
states that as of December 19, 1997, the estimated pro forma market value of the
Company ranged from a minimum of $197,310,000 to a maximum of $266,949,000  with
a midpoint of $232,130,000. Based on the percentage of the outstanding shares of
Bancorp  Common Stock held by the Mutual  Holding  Company as of the date of the
appraisal,  and the adjustments described herein, the estimated pro forma market
value of the Mutual  Holding  Company was  multiplied by 54.28% to determine the
dollar amount of Conversion  Stock to be offered in the Offerings,  which ranges
from a minimum of $107,100,000 (i.e., 10,710,000 share of Conversion Stock) to a
maximum of $144,900,000  (i.e.,  14,490,000 shares of Conversion Stock),  with a
midpoint of $126,000,000  (i.e.,  12,600,000  shares of Conversion  Stock).  The
range of the aggregate  dollar  amount and number of shares of Conversion  Stock
offered in the Offerings is referred to herein as the "Offering Price Range."

                                        7

<PAGE>

         The full text of the Appraisal describes the procedures  followed,  the
assumptions made,  limitations on the review undertaken and matters  considered,
which  included  the trading  market for Bancorp  Common  Stock (see "MARKET FOR
COMMON STOCK"),  but was not dependent thereon.  The Appraisal has been filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement and Application for Conversion of which
this  Prospectus  is a part,  and is  available  in the manner  set forth  under
"ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION."  The  Appraisal  is not  intended  and  should not be
construed as a  recommendation  of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing
such stock.

         Depending   upon  market  or   financial   conditions   following   the
commencement  of the  Subscription  Offering,  the  total  number  of  shares of
Conversion  Stock to be sold in the  Offerings may be increased by up to 15%, to
16,663,500 shares, without a resolicitation of subscribers.  In the event market
or financial  conditions  change so as to cause the aggregate  purchase price of
the  shares  to  be  below  the  minimum  of  the  Offering  Price  Range  (i.e.
$107,100,000)   or  more  than  15%  above  the  maximum  of  such  range  (i.e.
$166,635,000), purchasers will be resolicited (i.e., permitted to continue their
orders,  in  which  case  they  will  need  to  affirmatively   reconfirm  their
subscriptions  prior to the expiration of the  resolicitation  offering or their
subscription  funds  will be  promptly  refunded  with  interest  at the  Bank's
passbook  rate  of  interest,  or  be  permitted  to  modify  or  rescind  their
subscriptions).  Based upon current  market and financial  conditions and recent
practices and policies of the OTS, in the event  Bancshares  receives orders for
Conversion  Stock in excess of  $144,900,000  (the maximum of the Offering Price
Range) and up to  $166,635,000  (the  maximum of the Offering  Price  Range,  as
adjusted  by 15%) the  Company  may be  required  by the OTS to accept  all such
orders. No assurances, however, can be made that the Company will receive orders
for  Conversion  Stock in excess of the maximum of the  Offering  Price Range or
that, if such orders are received that all such orders will be accepted.

The Exchange Ratio

         OTS  regulations  and policy  provide that in a conversion  of a mutual
holding  company to stock  form,  stockholders  other  than the  mutual  holding
company will be entitled to exchange their shares of subsidiary savings bank (or
mid-tier holding company) common stock for common stock of the converted holding
company,  provided that the bank and the mutual holding  company  demonstrate to
the  satisfaction  of the OTS  that  the  basis  for the  exchange  is fair  and
reasonable.  The Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties have determined that
each Public Bancorp Share will on the effective date be automatically  converted
into and  become  the right to receive a number of  Exchange  Shares  determined
pursuant an exchange ratio (the "Exchange  Ratio") which was  established as the
ratio that  ensures that after the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  subject to
certain  adjustments  described in "THE  CONVERSION  AND  REORGANIZATION  -- The
Exchange Ratio," the percentage of the to-be outstanding  shares of Common Stock
issued to Public  Stockholders  in exchange for their Public Bancorp shares will
be  approximately  equal to the percentage of the outstanding  shares of Bancorp
Common Stock held by Public Stockholders immediately prior to the Conversion and
Reorganization. The total number of shares held by Public Stockholders after the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  would also be affected by any purchases by such
persons in the Offering.

         Based on the Independent  Valuation,  the percentage of the outstanding
shares of Bancorp Common Stock held by Mutual Holding  Company as of the date of
the Independent Valuation, and adjustments described herein, the following table
sets forth, based upon the minimum,  midpoint, maximum and 15% above the maximum
of the Estimated Valuation Range, the following:  (i) the total number of shares
of  Conversion  Stock and  Exchange  Shares to be issued in the  Conversion  and
Reorganization, (ii) the percentage of the total Common Stock represented by the
Conversion  Stock and the Exchange  Shares,  and (iii) the Exchange  Ratio.  The
table  assumes  there is no cash  paid in lieu of  issuing  fractional  Exchange
Shares.

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             Conversion Stock                                        Total Shares
                               to be Issued                 Exchange Shares            of Common
                           ---------------------         ----------------------       Stock to be         Exchange
                            Amount       Percent          Amount        Percent       Outstanding           Ratio
                            ------       -------          ------        -------       -----------           -----
<S>                        <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>                  <C>   
Minimum                    10,710,000     54.28%          9,021,024      45.72%        19,731,024           3.8899
Midpoint                   12,600,000     54.28          10,612,969      45.72         23,212,969           4.5764
Maximum                    14,490,000     54.28          12,204,915      45.72         26,694,915           5.2629
15% Above Maximum          16,663,500     54.28          14,035,652      45.72         30,699,152           6.0523

                                                 -----------------
</TABLE>

         Options to purchase  Public  Bancorp Shares will also be converted into
and become options to purchase  Common Stock.  As of the date of this Prospectus
there were  outstanding  options to purchase  134,298  shares of Bancorp  Common
Stock at an average  exercise price of $11.66 per share. The number of shares of
Common Stock to be received  upon  exercise of such  options will be  determined
pursuant to the Exchange  Ratio.  The aggregate  exercise price,  duration,  and
vesting  schedule of such  options  will not be  affected.  If such  options are
exercised prior to the effective date of the Conversion and Reorganization, then
there  will be an  increase  in the number of shares of Common  Stock  issued to
Public  Stockholders  in the Share  Exchange,  and an increase  in the  Exchange
Ratio.  Bancorp  has no plans to grant  additional  stock  options  prior to the
Effective Date.

Delivery and Exchange of Certificates

         Upon  consummation  of the  Conversion and  Reorganization,  holders of
Public  Bancorp  Shares in  certificate  form  (other  than the  Mutual  Holding
Company)  will  receive a  transmittal  letter with  instruction  on delivery of
certificates for exchange.  See "THE CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION  -- Delivery
and Exchange of  Certificates."  Upon surrender of such certificates to an agent
appointed by Bancshares (the "Exchange  Agent") the Public  Stockholder  will be
entitled  to  receive  in  exchange  therefore  a  certificate  or  certificates
representing  the  number of full  shares of Common  Stock to which he or she is
entitled  based on the  Exchange  Ratio.  The  Exchange  Agent will provide each
stockholder of record a letter of transmittal with instructions for the exchange
of shares. Holders of Bancorp Common Stock should not forward shares to the Bank
or Exchange Agent until they have received instructions from the Exchange Agent.

Comparison Of Shareholder Rights.

         Pursuant to the Plan,  Bancshares will become the stock holding company
for the  Bank.  Bancorp  will  cease to exist.  Therefore,  the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  and Bylaws of Bancshares  and Delaware  corporate law will govern
stockholder rights after the Conversion and Reorganization.  Both Bancshares and
Bancorp  are  Delaware   corporations.   The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of
Bancshares  is  substantially  similar to that of  Bancorp.  Differences  in the
Certificate  of  Incorporation  are related  primarily to issues  related to the
Reorganization. See "COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS."

Benefits of Conversion and Reorganization to Directors and Officers

         Bancshares does not intend to enter into any new employment agreements.
Mr. Brown has an Employment Agreement with the Bank. See "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK
- -- Employment Agreements." However, Bancshares will enter into certain change in
control  agreements with the other members of the senior

                                       9
<PAGE>



management of the Bank, Messrs.  Bluestone,  Bebber, Hankle, and Fort. Under the
terms of the Change in Control Agreements (the "Agreements"), each would receive
payment  equal to one year of salary plus  continuation  of benefit  programs if
terminated  (other  than for cause)  following a change in control as defined in
the Agreements. For a termination occurring in 1998, the total payments required
to be paid to Messrs. Bebber,  Bluestone, Fort and Hankle would be $467,500. See
"MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Change in Control  Agreements."  Bancshares currently
intends to adopt  certain  stock  benefit plans for the benefit of directors and
employees of Bancshares and the Bank. The proposed benefit plans are as follows:
(i) a Stock Option Plan,  pursuant to which a number of authorized  but unissued
shares of Common  Stock equal to 10% of the  Conversion  Stock to be sold in the
Offerings  (1,449,000  shares at the maximum of the Offering Price Range) may be
reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options and stock appreciation rights to
directors,  officers  and  employees;  and  (ii) a  Management  Recognition  and
Retention Plan (the "Recognition  Plan"),  which may purchase a number of shares
of Common Stock, with funds contributed by Bancshares, either from Bancshares or
in the open  market,  equal to an  amount  which  will  equal  4.0% of the total
Conversion stock issued in the Conversion and Reorganization  (579,600 shares at
the maximum of the Offering Price Range) for distribution to directors, officers
and  employees.  These  shares  will be  issued  at no  cost to the  recipients.
Recipients will,  however,  be required to pay both federal and applicable state
taxes on the value of Common Stock received  pursuant to the  Recognition  Plan.
Bancshares has not  determined  when it will implement the Stock Option Plan and
the Recognition Plan. If, however, it is implemented prior to one year following
the  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancshares will submit
such plans to stockholders for approval at an annual or special meeting at least
six months following the consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization.  In
such event, OTS regulations  permit individual  members of management to receive
up to 25% of the  shares  reserved  pursuant  to any  stock  option  or  non-tax
qualified  stock benefit plan, and directors who are not employees to receive up
to 5% of such stock (or stock options)  reserved  individually  and up to 30% in
the  aggregate  under any such  plan.  See  "MANAGEMENT  OF THE BANK --  Benefit
Plans."

         In the event that the Recognition Plan purchases shares of Common Stock
in the open market with funds contributed by Bancshares, the cost of such shares
initially will be deducted from the stockholders' equity of the Company, but the
number of outstanding  shares of Common Stock will not increase and stockholders
accordingly  will not experience  dilution of their ownership  interest.  In the
event that the Recognition Plan purchases shares of Common Stock from Bancshares
with funds contributed by Bancshares,  total stockholders'  equity would neither
increase or decrease, but under such circumstances stockholders would experience
dilution of their ownership  interests (by approximately  2.1% at the maximum of
the Offering Price Range) and per share  stockholders'  equity and per share net
earnings  would decrease as a result of an increase in the number of outstanding
shares of Common Stock. In either case,  Bancshares will incur operating expense
and increases in stockholders' equity as the shares held by the Recognition Plan
are granted and issued in accordance with the terms thereof.  For a presentation
of the effects of anticipated purchases of Common Stock by the Recognition Plan,
see "PRO FORMA DATA."

         In addition,  the ESOP intends to purchase up to 8.0% of the Conversion
Stock  issued  in  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization   (1,159,200  shares  or
$11,592,000 of Conversion Stock at the maximum of the Offering Price Range) with
a loan funded by Bancshares.  See "USE OF PROCEEDS." In the event that there are
insufficient   shares   available   to  fill  the   ESOP's   order   due  to  an
oversubscription  by  Eligible  Account  Holders,  the  offering  range  will be
increased above the maximum and the ESOP shall have a priority right to purchase
any shares  exceeding  the maximum of the  Offering  Valuation  Range,  up to an
aggregate of 8% of the Conversion Stock. See "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Employee
Stock  Ownership  Plan" and "RISK  FACTORS --  Possible  Dilutive  Effective  of
Issuance of Additional Shares."

         The  foregoing  plans  are in  addition  to a stock  option  plan and a
directors'  stock option plan; which were adopted by the Bank in 1993. After the
creation of Bancorp as the  Mid-Tier  Holding  Company of the Bank,  these plans
remained as benefit plans of the Bank.  The stock options and  restricted  stock
awards made  pursuant to these plans are  currently  for Bancorp  Common  Stock.
These plans will continue in existence after the Conversion and

                                       10
<PAGE>

Reorganization  as plans of Bancshares.  See  "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Benefit
Plans" and "THE CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION  -- Effects of the Conversion and
Reorganization," " -- Effect on Existing Option Plans."


Use of Proceeds

         Net proceeds from the sale of the Conversion  Stock are estimated to be
between  $105.6  million and $143.2  million,  depending on the number of shares
sold and the  expenses  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  See "PRO FORMA
DATA."  Bancshares  plans to contribute to the Bank 50% of the net proceeds from
the Offerings and retain the remainder of the net proceeds.  Bancshares  intends
to use a portion of the net proceeds  retained by it to make a loan  directly to
the ESOP to  enable  the ESOP to  purchase  8.0% of the  Conversion  Stock to be
issued in the Conversion and Reorganization.  The amount of the loan is expected
to be between $8.6  million and $11.6  million at the minimum and maximum of the
Offering Price Range, respectively.  It is anticipated that the loan to the ESOP
will have a term of not less than 15 years and a fixed rate of  interest  at the
prime rate as of the date of the loan.  See  "MANAGEMENT  OF THE BANK -- Benefit
Plans" and " -- Employee Stock Ownership  Plan." The remaining net proceeds will
initially  be lent by  Bancshares  to the Bank and be used by the Bank to invest
primarily in  short-term  interest-bearing  deposits and short and  intermediate
term  marketable  securities.  The funds  retained by Bancshares  may be used to
support  the  future  expansion  of  operations  or  diversification  into other
banking-related  businesses  and for  other  business  or  investment  purposes,
including the acquisition of other financial institutions and/or branch offices,
although there are no current plans, arrangements,  understandings or agreements
regarding such expansion,  diversification or acquisitions. In addition, subject
to  applicable  limitations,  such  funds  also  may be  used in the  future  to
repurchase  shares  of  Common  Stock,  although  Bancshares  currently  has  no
intention of  effecting  any such  transactions  following  consummation  of the
Conversion and Reorganization. See "THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- Certain
Restrictions  on  Purchases or  Transfers  of Shares  after the  Conversion  and
Reorganization." Funds contributed to the Bank from the Company will be used for
general  business  purposes.  The  proceeds  will be used to support  the Bank's
lending and investment activities and thereby enhance the Bank's capabilities to
serve the borrowing and other financial needs of the communities it serves.  The
Bank plans to  initially  use the  proceeds to invest  primarily  in  short-term
interest-bearing deposits and short and intermediate term marketable securities.
See "USE OF PROCEEDS."

Dividend Policy

         Since  the   completion  of  the  first  full  quarter  after  the  MHC
Reorganization,  i.e. March 31, 1994, until the adoption of the Plan, Bancorp or
the Bank has paid a regular quarterly cash dividend.  For the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1996, that dividend was 30(cent) per quarter,  and $1.20 per year.
The dividend was increased by the Board of Directors to 35(cent) per quarter for
the quarter ended March 31, 1997.  Following the  consummation of the Conversion
and Reorganization, the Board of Directors of Bancshares intends to declare cash
dividends on the Common Stock  commencing  with the first quarter  following the
consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization.  The first quarterly dividend
is  expected to be an amount of no less than  35(cent)  ($1.40  annualized)  per
share on the total Public  Bancorp  Shares  outstanding  immediately  before the
consummation  of the Conversion and  Reorganization.  For example,  based on the
Exchange Ratio of 4.5764 at the midpoint of the Offering  Price Range,  the cash
dividend after the Conversion and Reorganization would be approximately $0.07648
per share per quarter.  However, no assurance can be given as to the amount of a
dividend or that a dividend  will be paid or if paid that the dividend  will not
be reduced or  eliminated  in future  periods.  Pending  the  completion  of the
Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancorp  intends to continue paying its regular
quarterly  cash  dividend.  For a period of one year following the completion of
the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancshares  will not pay any dividends that
would be treated for tax purposes as a return of capital nor take any actions or
propose such dividends. See "DIVIDEND POLICY."

                                       11
<PAGE>


Dissenters' Rights and Rights of Appraisal

         Pursuant  to Section 262 of the General  Corporation  Law of  Delaware,
Public  Stockholders  will have no dissenters'  rights or rights of appraisal in
connection with the Conversion and Reorganization.

Prospectus Delivery and Procedure for Purchasing Shares

         To ensure that each  purchaser  receives a prospectus at least 48 hours
prior to the Expiration  Date in accordance  with Rule 15c2-8 under the Exchange
Act, no prospectus will be mailed any later than five days prior to such date or
hand  delivered  any later than two days prior to such  date.  Execution  of the
order form will  confirm  receipt or delivery in  accordance  with Rule  15c2-8.
Order forms will be distributed only with a prospectus. The Primary Parties will
accept for processing  orders submitted on original order forms with an executed
certification.  In their discretion,  the Primary Parties may accept photocopies
or  facsimile  copies of order  forms or the form of  certification.  Payment by
cash,  check,  money  order,  bank draft or debit  authorization  to an existing
account at the bank must  accompany  the order form.  In their  discretion,  the
Primary   Parties  may  accept  wire   transfers.   See  "THE   CONVERSION   AND
REORGANIZATION."

                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

         The following  Selected  Consolidated  Financial Data as of and for the
periods ended  September 30, 1997,  1996,  1995, 1994 and 1993 have been derived
from the audited  consolidated  financial  statements of Bancorp.  The financial
data presented below is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed financial
data appearing elsewhere herein,  including the audited  consolidated  financial
statements and notes thereto beginning on page F-1.

Selected Consolidated Financial Condition Data

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    September 30,
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997           1996          1995           1994         1993    
                                     ----           -----         -----          ----         -----   
                                                                           (In thousands)
<S>                                 <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>     
Total assets                        $1,131,024    $1,057,443      $886,570      $808,110      $759,389
Loans (net)(1)                         834,270       765,019       631,307       576,406       546,699
Federal funds sold                         250        16,075        12,825         7,400        17,500
Investment securities(2)                52,553        53,493        25,186        40,286        45,522
Mortgage-backed securities             176,854       153,293       164,759       120,099        89,535
Real estate owned (net)                  2,314         3,118         2,786         2,522         6,198
Deposits                               911,576       851,853       720,981       673,830       651,093
FHLB advances                          100,000        95,000        65,000        45,000        45,000
Other borrowings                           475           674           974         1,273           990
Stockholders' equity                    96,802        84,832        77,500        68,251        40,230
</TABLE>

- ---------------

(1)  Excludes  loans held for sale of  $141,000,  $4.9  million,  $1.0  million,
     $25,000, and $679,000,  as of September 30, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993
     respectively.

(2)  Includes investments  available for sale of $47.6 million and $33.5 million
     as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

                                       12

<PAGE>

Selected Consolidated Operating Data

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Years Ended September 30,
                                                     -------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1997       1996        1995        1994        1993  
                                                       ----       ----        ----        ----        ----  
                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
Interest income ..................................   $ 84,814   $ 74,357    $ 64,884    $ 56,084    $ 55,674
Interest expense .................................     45,159     39,114      33,280      26,276      27,251
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
Net interest income ..............................     39,655     35,243      31,604      29,808      28,423
Provision for (recovery of) loan
  losses .........................................        782        (76)        460       1,553       1,890
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
Net interest income after
  provision for loan losses ......................     38,873     35,319      31,144      28,255      26,533
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------

Other income:
  Income (loss) from real estate
    operations ...................................        145       (301)        (40)      1,250      (2,792
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans .................        188        (40)         92         118         281
  Other ..........................................      3,880      3,226       2,855       2,701       2,668
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total other income ...........................      4,213      2,885       2,907       4,069         157
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------

Other expenses:
  Compensation and benefits ......................     11,931     10,690      10,048       9,433       9,078
  Professional fees ..............................        599        527         699       1,137         711
  SAIF deposit insurance premium .................        785      6,300       1,556       1,672       1,627
  Other ..........................................      7,833      6,615       5,895       5,624       5,555
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total other expenses .........................     21,148     24,132      18,198      17,866      16,971
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
Income tax expense ...............................      8,611      5,432       5,958       5,254       4,016
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------

Income before extraordinary
  item and cumulative effect
  of change in accounting principle ..............     13,327      8,640       9,895       9,204       5,703
Extraordinary item(1) ............................         --         --          --      (1,342)         --
Cumulative effect on prior years
  of changing to a different
  method of accounting for
  income taxes ...................................         --         --          --       1,935          --
                                                     --------   --------    --------    --------    --------
Net income .......................................   $ 13,327   $  8,640    $  9,895    $  9,797    $  5,703
                                                     ========   ========    ========    ========    ========
Cash Dividends Per Share(2) ......................   $   1.40   $   1.20    $    .90    $  .3375          --
</TABLE>

- --------------
(1)  Extinguishment of FHLB advances for year 1994.

(2)  Cash  Dividends  declared on Public Bancorp Shares only. The Mutual Holding
     Company has waived receipt of all dividends since the MHC Reorganization.

                                       13

<PAGE>

Selected Financial Ratios

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                At or for the Years Ended September 30,
                                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                                            1997      1996         1995      1994      1993 
                                                            ----      ----         ----      ----      ---- 
Performance Ratios:
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>   
    Return on average assets .......................        1.22%     0.91%(1)     1.16%     1.25%     0.77%
    Return on average stockholders' equity .........       14.72     10.51 (1)    13.61     16.85     15.14 
    Net interest rate spread .......................        3.36      3.40         3.42      3.68      3.92 
    Net yield on average interest-
      earning assets ...............................        3.72      3.79         3.80      3.92      4.04 
    Noninterest expense to average assets ..........        1.93      2.53 (1)     2.14      2.27      2.29 
    Net interest income to
       noninterest expense .........................        1.88      1.46 (1)     1.74      1.67      1.67 
    Average interest-earning assets
       to average interest-
       bearing liabilities .........................      108.33    109.24       109.58    106.94    103.13 
    Efficiency Ratio ...............................       48.83     62.83 (1)    52.76     54.81     54.59

Asset Quality Ratios:
    Nonperforming assets to total assets ...........        0.43      0.50         0.71      0.85      2.19 
    Allowance for loan losses to total loans .......        1.40      1.44         1.60      1.64      1.34 
    Allowance for loan losses to
      nonperforming loans ..........................      453.11    507.25       286.70    329.74    209.67 
    Allowance for losses on real
      estate owned to total real estate owned ......       19.99     35.45        40.00     33.37     26.09 

Capital Ratios:
    Average stockholders' equity to
      average assets ...............................        8.26      8.62         8.54      7.40      5.09 
    Stockholders' equity to assets
      at period end ................................        8.56      8.02         8.74      8.45      5.30 
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Includes one-time SAIF special assessment expense of $4,552,000, $2,839,000
     net of tax. Without the one-time SAIF special assessment, return on average
     assets for year ended September 30, 1996,  would have been 1.20% and return
     on average  equity would have been 13.92%,  noninterest  expense to average
     assets would have been 2.05%, net interest  income to  noninterest  expense
     would have been 1.80% and the efficiency ratio would have been 50.97%.

                               ------------------

                                       14

<PAGE>

                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Select Consolidated Financial Condition Data

                                                   December 31,    September 30,
                                                      1997               1997
                                                      ----               ----
                                                          (In thousands)
Total assets .............................         $1,128,942      $1,131,024
Loans (net)(1) ...........................            859,878         834,270
Interest-bearing deposits ................              4,003          15,736
Federal funds sold .......................                250             250
Investment securities(2) .................             44,466          52,553
Mortgage-backed securities ...............            163,942         176,854
Real estate owned (net) ..................              2,529           2,314
Deposits .................................            925,667         911,576
FHLB advances ............................             90,000         100,000
Other borrowings .........................                400             475
Stockholders' equity .....................            100,772          96,802

- -----------------

(1)  Excludes loans held for sale of $751,000 and $141,000 as of December 31 and
     September 30, 1997, respectively.

(2)  Includes  investments  available  for sale of  $29,482  and  $47,553  as of
     December 31 and September 30, 1997, respectively.

                                  -------------

                                       15

<PAGE>

Selected Consolidated Operating Data

                                                          Three Months Ended
                                                             December 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        1997              1996
                                                        ----              ----
                                                             (In thousands)
Interest income ....................................     $ 23,054      $ 20,528
Interest expense ...................................       11,766        10,932
                                                         --------      --------
  Net interest income ..............................       11,288         9,596
Provisions for (recovery of) loan losses ...........         (188)          125
                                                         --------      --------
  Net interest income after provision for loan
   losses ..........................................       11,476         9,471
Other income:
  Income (loss) from real estate operations ........         (143)           (2)
  Gain (loss) on sales of mortgage loans ...........           20            88
  Other ............................................        1,703           908
                                                         --------      --------
         Total other income ........................        1,580           994
                                                         --------      --------
Other expenses:
  Compensation and benefits ........................        3,421         2,939
  Occupancy ........................................        1,045           728
  Professional fees ................................          138           138
  SAIF deposit insurance premium ...................          144           374
  Other ............................................        1,369         1,103
                                                         --------      --------
         Total other expenses ......................        6,117         5,282
                                                         --------      --------
Income before income taxes .........................        6,939         5,183
Income tax expense .................................        2,844         2,082
                                                         --------      --------
Net income .........................................     $  4,095      $  3,101
                                                         ========      ========

Net income per share(1)
         Basic .....................................     $   0.83      $   0.64
         Diluted ...................................     $   0.81      $   0.62

- ---------------

(1)  Net income  per share for the  quarter  ended  December  31,  1996 has been
     restated to conform to the provisions of Statement of Financial  Accounting
     Standards  No. 128,  "Earnings  Per Share"  ("Statement  128"),  adopted by
     Bancorp in the quarter  ended  December 31, 1997.  Net income per share for
     the years  ended  September  30,  1997,  1996 and 1995 as  reported  and as
     restated to conform to Statement 128 were as follows:

                                        1997            1996             1995
                                        ----            ----             ----
Net income per share:
   Historical - primary and
     fully diluted                      $2.66           $1.75           $2.03
   Restated:
     Basic                              $2.71           $1.79           $2.07
     Diluted                            $2.66           $1.75           $2.03

                                  -------------

                                       16
<PAGE>

Selected Financial Ratios

                                                                At or for the
                                                             Three Months Ended
                                                               December 31,(1)
                                                               ---------------
                                                             1997         1996
                                                             ----         ----
Performance Ratios:
   Return on average assets ............................      1.43%       1.16%
   Return on average stockholders' equity ..............     16.48       14.33
   Net interest rate spread ............................      3.74        3.36
   Net yield on average interest-earning assets ........      4.12        3.72
   Noninterest expense to average assets ...............      2.13        1.98
   Net interest income to noninterest expense ..........      1.87        1.83
   Average interest-earning assets to average
     interest-bearing liabilities ......................    108.71      108.45

Asset Quality Ratios:
   Nonperforming assets to total assets ................      0.51        0.57
   Allowance for loan losses to total loans ............      1.33        1.42
   Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
     loans .............................................    355.95      356.14
   Allowance for losses on real estate owned to
     total real estate owned ...........................     19.99       36.39

Capital Ratios:
   Average stockholders' equity to average assets ......      8.67        8.10
   Stockholders' equity to assets at period end ........      8.93        8.27

- ---------------

(1)  Annualized, where appropriate

                                 ---------------

                                       17

<PAGE>

Regulatory Capital


                                                          December 31, 1997
                                                        ---------------------
                                                                   Percent of
                                                        Amount     Assets(1)
                                                        ------     ---------
                                                        (Dollars in thousands)
Tangible capital ............................           $86,604        7.69%
Tangible requirement ........................            16,891        1.50
                                                        -------       -----
Excess ......................................           $69,713        6.19
                                                        =======       =====

Core capital ................................            86,604        7.69
Core requirement(2) .........................            33,783        3.00
                                                        -------       -----
Excess ......................................           $52,821        4.69
                                                        =======       =====

Total risk-based capital ....................            94,239       15.52
Risk-based requirement ......................            48,572        8.00
                                                        -------       -----
Excess ......................................           $45,667        7.52
                                                        =======       =====

- ---------------

(1)  Tangible  and  core  capital  levels  are  calculated  on  the  basis  of a
     percentage  of  total  adjusted  assets;   risk-based  capital  levels  are
     calculated on the basis of a percentage of risk-weighted assets.

(2)  The OTS has proposed a core capital  requirement  for savings  associations
     comparable to the new requirement for national banks. The OTS proposed core
     capital  ratio  would be at least 3% of total  adjusted  assets for thrifts
     that receive the highest supervisory rating for safety and soundness with a
     4% to 5% core capital requirement for all other thrifts.

                                 ---------------

Management's Discussion and Analysis for Recent Developments

December 31, 1997 Compared to September 30, 1997

         Total assets  decreased  by $2.1 million to $1.129  billion at December
31, 1997, as compared to September  30, 1997.  Loans,  excluding  loans held for
sale,  increased by $25.6  million,  or 3.1% for the three months ended December
31, 1997,  due to increased  loan demand offset by  repayments.  Mortgage-backed
securities  decreased  by $12.9  million,  or 7.3% for the  three  months  ended
December 31, 1997, due to  repayments.  Interest-bearing  deposits  decreased by
$11.7  million,  or 74.6% due  primarily  to the funding of annual  property tax
payments from borrowers'  escrow accounts.  Investment  securities  decreased by
$8.1  million,  or 15.4% for the three  months  ended  December  31,  1997,  due
primarily to the purchase of $20.0  million of FHLB Notes offset by the maturity
of a $8.0  million  U.S.  Treasury  Note and the call prior to maturity of $20.0
million of FHLB Notes.  Deposits increased by $14.1 million, or 1.6% as a result
of $9.0 million of interest  credited  and $5.1 million of net cash  deposits by
customers.  FHLB  advances  decreased  by $10.0  million,  or 10.0% due to a new
advance of $10.0  million  offset by the maturity of $20.0  million of advances.
Stockholders'  equity  increased by $4.0  million,  or 4.1% for the three months
ended December 31, 1997, due primarily to net income for the quarter.

                                       18
<PAGE>

Quarter Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Quarter Ended December 31, 1996

         Net income for the three  months ended  December  31,  1997,  increased
32.1% to $4.1 million or 81 cents per share (diluted),  compared to $3.1 million
or 62 cents per share  (diluted)  for the three months ended  December 31, 1996.
This increase was due primarily to nonrecurring  income of $978,000,  after tax,
recognized  on the payoff of a problem  commercial  real  estate loan and on the
sale of the Bank's ownership interest in its data processing servicer. Beginning
December 31, 1997, net income per share has been  calculated in accordance  with
the provisions of Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings
Per Share." Net income per share for the period ended December 31, 1996 has been
restated to conform to this standard.

         Net interest  income  increased  to $11.3  million for the three months
ended  December 31, 1997,  from $9.6 million for the three months ended December
31, 1996.  This  increase was due  primarily to an increase of $68.7  million in
average  interest-earning  assets for the three months ended  December 31, 1997,
compared to the three months ended  December 31, 1996,  and $874,000 of interest
income  recognized  on the payoff of the problem  commercial  real estate  loan.
Provision  for loan losses was a credit of $188,000  for the three  months ended
December 31, 1997, compared to an expense of $125,000 for the three months ended
December 31,  1996.  The credit to the  provision  for loan losses for the three
months  ended  December  31, 1997 was  principally  comprised of a credit to the
provision of $400,000 related to a decrease in the level of classified loans due
primarily to the payoff of two  commercial  real estate  loans.  This credit was
partially offset by a charge to the provision of  approximately  $200,000 due to
loan  growth,  primarily  in  the  commercial  real  estate  and  consumer  loan
portfolios.  The provision for the three months ended  December 31, 1996 was due
primarily to an increase in the level of  classified  loans due primarily to the
downgrade of one commercial real estate loan and an increase in residential loan
delinquencies. Other income increased to $1.6 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1997 from  $994,000  for the three months ended  December 31, 1996,
due primarily to the $719,000 gain on the sale of the Bank's ownership  interest
in its data processing  servicer.  Other expenses  increased to $6.1 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1997, from $5.3 million for the three months
ended   December  31,  1996,  due  primarily  to  an  increase  of  $482,000  in
compensation and benefits and an increase of $317,000 in occupancy expense.  The
increase  in  compensation  expense  was due to an  increase  in the  number  of
personnel,  primarily  commercial loan and residential loan officers, as well as
$244,000 in ESOP-related  expense.  The increase in occupancy expense was due to
equipment impairment related to the sale of the data center.  Income tax expense
increased to $2.8 million for the three  months  ended  December 31, 1997,  from
$2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 1996.

                                  RISK FACTORS

         The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this
Prospectus,  should be  considered  by  investors  before  deciding  whether  to
purchase the Common Stock offered hereby.

Vulnerability to Changes in Interest Rates

         The Bank's profitability,  like that of many financial institutions, is
dependent  to a  large  extent  upon  its  net  interest  income,  which  is the
difference between its interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans
and investments, and its interest expense on interest-bearing  liabilities, such
as deposits.  When  interest-bearing  liabilities mature or reprice more quickly
than interest-earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market
rates of interest could adversely  affect net interest income.  Similarly,  when
interest-earning  assets  mature or reprice more  quickly than  interest-bearing
liabilities,  falling  interest rates could result in a decrease in net interest
income.  See  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- Asset and Liability Management."

                                       19
<PAGE>



Intent to Remain Independent; Unsuitability as a Short-term Investment

         The  Bank  and  its   predecessors   have   operated   as   independent
community-oriented savings associations since 1934. Following the Conversion and
Reorganization,   it  is  Bancshares'  intent  to  continue  to  operate  as  an
independent financial  institution.  Accordingly,  the Common Stock may not be a
suitable investment for individuals anticipating a rapid sale of Bancshares to a
third party. See "BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES"

         Also  due to  Bancshares'  intention  to  remain  independent,  certain
provisions in  Bancshares'  Certificate of  Incorporation  and Bylaws may assist
Bancshares  in  maintaining   its  status  as  an  independent   publicly  owned
corporation.  These provisions,  as well as the Delaware General Corporation law
and certain federal regulations,  may have certain anti-takeover  effects. These
provisions  include:  restriction  on  the  acquisition  of  Bancshares'  equity
securities and limitations on voting rights,  the classification of the terms of
the  members  of the Board of  Directors,  certain  provisions  relating  to the
meeting of  stockholders,  denial of cumulative  voting by  stockholders  in the
election of directors,  the issuance of preferred stock and additional shares of
Common Stock without shareholder approval, and supermajority  provisions for the
approval of certain business  combinations.  See "RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF
THE  COMPANY."  As a result,  stockholders  who might wish to  participate  in a
change of control transaction may not have the opportunity to do so.

Price of Common Stock Following the Conversion and Reorganization

         Since the MHC  Reorganization  and public stock  issuance on January 6,
1994,  Bancorp's  Common Stock and its  predecessor  the Bank's common stock has
increased in value.  The Bank Shares (which were  exchanged for Bancorp  shares)
were  initially  sold to the public at $10 per share.  On January 27, 1998,  the
date of this  prospectus,  the closing  price of the Public  Bancorp  Shares was
$65.25.  There can be no assurance that the Conversion  Stock will appreciate in
value as has the Public Bancorp Shares. Additionally,  there can be no assurance
that the Common Stock will appreciate  after the Conversion and  Reorganization.
The Boards of  Directors of the Primary  Parties have set an offering  price for
the Conversion Stock of $10 a share.  However,  the pricing of this stock should
in no way be seen as an indication or assurance that the Conversion Stock or the
Common Stock will appreciate after the Conversion and Reorganization in the same
manner as the Public  Bancorp  Shares which were also  initially sold at $10 per
share as shares of the Bank.

Competition

         The Bank is headquartered in the City of Fort Pierce, and has 22 branch
offices  located within six counties on Florida's  central east coast.  The Bank
operates in a highly  competitive  market and experiences  strong competition in
its local market area in both originating loans and attracting  deposits.  As of
March 31,  1997,  the Bank's  market  share of deposits  within the six counties
totaled 6.12%,  while the largest  competitor held 20.8%. The Bank's market will
likely undergo significant consolidation when this competitor merges with one of
the nation's largest financial institutions.

         Most of the Bank's  mortgages are secured by properties  located within
its six  county  market,  with the  predominance  of its  lending in one to four
family residential  mortgages.  The State of Florida has a substantial number of
financial  institutions,  many of which have a state-wide or regional  presence,
and  in  some  cases,  a  national  presence.  All  of  these  institutions  are
competitors of the Bank, to varying  degrees.  The Bank's  competition for loans
comes  principally  from  commercial  banks,  savings  bank,  savings  and  loan
associations, credit unions, mortgage banking companies and insurance companies.
Its most direct  competition for deposits has historically  come from commercial
banks,  savings banks,  savings and loan associations and credit unions, many of
which are  significantly  larger  than the Bank  and,  therefore,  have  greater
financial and marketing  resources than the Bank. The Bank also faces additional
competition for deposits from short-term money market funds, other corporate and
government  securities  funds  and from  other  financial  institutions  such as
brokerage  firms and  insurance

                                       20
<PAGE>

companies.  In order to deal  with the  various  competitive  factors,  the Bank
recognizes its need to monitor  competition and modify its products and services
as necessary and possible,  taking into  consideration  the financial  impact of
such actions.

         As a result of the level of  competition  in its market,  the Company's
growth and profitability in the future may be adversely affected.  See "BUSINESS
- -- Market Area" and " -- Competition."

Geographical Concentration of Loans

         At  September  30,  1997,  substantially  all of the Bank's real estate
mortgage  loans were secured by properties  located in the Bank's primary market
area. While the Bank currently believes that its loans are adequately secured or
reserved  for,  in the event that real estate  prices in the Bank's  market area
substantially  weaken or economic  conditions  in its market  area  deteriorate,
reducing the value of properties  securing the Bank's loans,  some borrowers may
default and the value of the real estate collateral may be insufficient to fully
secure the loans. In either event,  the Bank may experience  increased levels of
delinquencies  and  related  losses  having an  adverse  impact  on net  income.
Additionally,  some of the  real  estate  securing  loans  held by the  Bank are
vacation homes or second homes used as rental  properties.  As such, these loans
may have a higher level of risk than loans secured by primary residences.


Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions

         Certain  provisions of  Bancshares'  certificate of  incorporation  and
bylaws,  including a provision  limiting  voting rights of beneficial  owners of
more than 10% of the Common Stock,  and the Bank's stock charter and bylaws,  as
well as  certain  Delaware  laws and  regulations,  will  assist  Bancshares  in
maintaining its status as an independent publicly owned corporation and may have
certain anti-takeover effects.

         Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  Bylaws of  Bancshares.  Bancshares
articles of incorporation and bylaws provide for, among other things, a limit on
voting more than 10% of the Common Stock  described  above,  staggered terms for
members of its Board of Directors, noncumulative voting for directors, limits on
the calling of special  meetings of  stockholders  and director  nominations,  a
prohibition  on action by consent,  a fair price or super  majority  stockholder
approval  requirement for certain business  combinations and certain shareholder
proposal notice  requirements.  These provisions are the same as those currently
in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Bancorp.

         Federal  Stock Charter of the Bank.  Provisions  in the Bank's  federal
stock  charter that have an  anti-takeover  effect could also be  applicable  to
changes in control of Bancshares as the sole shareholder of the Bank. The Bank's
federal  stock  charter  includes a  provision  applicable  for five years which
prohibits  the  acquisition  or offer to  acquire  directly  or  indirectly  the
beneficial  ownership of more than 10% of the Bank's securities by any person or
entity other than Bancshares. Any person violating this restriction may not vote
the Bank's securities in excess of 10%.

         These  provisions in Bancshares' and the Bank's  governing  instruments
may discourage  potential  proxy contests and other takeover  attempts by making
Bancshares less attractive to a potential acquiror,  particularly those takeover
attempts  which  have  not  been  negotiated  with the  Board  of  Directors  of
Bancshares  and/or the Bank, as the case may be. These  provisions may also have
the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt which would not be approved
by  Bancshares'  Board,  but  pursuant  to  which  stockholders  may  receive  a
substantial  premium for their  shares over then  current  market  prices.  As a
result,  stockholders  who might desire to participate in such a transaction may
not have any opportunity to do so. In addition, certain of these provisions that
limit the ability of persons  (including  management or others) owning more than
10% of the  shares  to vote  their  shares  will be  enforced  by the  Board  of
Directors  of  Bancshares  or the Bank,  as the case may be, to limit the

                                       21
<PAGE>


voting rights of 10% or greater stockholders and thus could have the effect in a
proxy contest or other  solicitation to defeat a proposal that is desired by the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock.

         Federal Law and  Regulations.  Federal law also  requires  OTS approval
prior to the  acquisition  of "control"  (as defined in OTS  regulations)  of an
insured  institution,  including  a holding  company  thereof.  In the event any
person or group of persons  acquires  shares in violation of these  limitations,
such person or group may be restricted from voting his or their shares in excess
of 10% of the outstanding Common Stock. Such laws and regulations may also limit
a person's ability without  regulatory  approval to solicit proxies enabling him
to  elect  one  third  or more of  Bancshares'  Board  of  Directors  or exert a
controlling influence on the operations of the Bank or the Company.

         In  addition,  certain  of these  provisions  may limit the  ability of
persons  (including  management or others) owning more than 10% of the shares to
vote their shares (by proxy or otherwise)  for proposals that they believe to be
in the best interests of  shareholders.  See  "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Benefit
Plans," and " -- Description of Capital Stock."

Voting Power of Directors and Executive Officers

         Directors and executive  officers of Bancshares  expect to beneficially
own  approximately  1,713,840  shares or 7.38% of the  shares  of  Common  Stock
outstanding  (excluding  unexercisable  stock options) upon  consummation of the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  based upon the midpoint of the  Offering  Price
Range. See "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK."

         In  addition,  Bancshares  may  acquire  Common  Stock on behalf of the
Recognition  Plan in an amount  which will equal  4.0% of the  Conversion  Stock
issued in the  Offering  (579,600  shares  based on the maximum of the  Offering
Price  Range).  Under the terms of the  Recognition  Plan,  individuals  to whom
shares  of  Common  Stock  are  awarded  will be able to vote the  Common  Stock
immediately after it is awarded. Bancshares also may reserve for future issuance
pursuant to the Stock Option Plan (which will be subject to stockholder approval
if implemented prior to one year following the Conversion and Reorganization), a
number of  authorized  shares of Common  Stock equal to an aggregate of 10.0% of
the Conversion  Stock issued in the Offerings  (1,449,000  shares,  based on the
maximum of the  Offering  Price  Range).  These  options  are in addition to the
options for 43,304 shares of Bancorp Common Stock which were previously  granted
to directors  and  executive  officers and remain  unexercised  under the option
plans  adopted  by the  Bank  in  connection  with  the MHC  Reorganization.  In
addition, the ESOP intends to purchase up to 8% of the shares of Common Stock to
be issued by Bancshares in the Conversion and Reorganization. See "MANAGEMENT OF
THE BANK -- Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year," " -- Other Stock Benefit Plans,"
and " -- Stock Option Plan."

         Management's  potential  voting power could,  together with  additional
stockholder support,  preclude or make more difficult takeover attempts which do
not  have the  support  of the  Company's  Board  of  Directors  and may tend to
perpetuate existing management.

Return on Equity

         As a result  of the  Bank's  high  capital  levels  and the  additional
capital that will be raised by Bancshares in the Conversion and  Reorganization,
Bancshares'  ability  to  leverage  the net  proceeds  from the  Conversion  and
Reorganization may be limited in the near future. Accordingly,  return on equity
is initially expected to be lower than it has been in recent years.

                                       22
<PAGE>


ESOP Compensation Expense

         An employer must record compensation  expense in an amount equal to the
fair value of shares  committed  to be  released to  employees  from an employee
stock ownership plan.  Assuming shares of Common Stock  appreciate in value over
time, compensation expenses relating to the ESOP to be established in connection
with the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  will  increase.  It is  impossible to
determine at this time the extent of such impact on future net income.  See "PRO
FORMA DATA."

Potential Elimination Of Thrift Charter

         The  Bank  is  subject  to  extensive   regulation,   supervision   and
examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision  ("OTS") and the Federal Deposit
Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC"). A bill, H.R. 10, has been reported by the U.S.
House of  Representatives,  Committee on Banking and  Financial  Services,  that
would  consolidate  the OTS with the Office of the  Comptroller  of the Currency
("OCC") and eliminate the federal  thrift charter under which the Bank currently
operates.  If this legislation  becomes law, the Bank will be forced to become a
state  chartered  bank or a  national  commercial  bank.  If the Bank  becomes a
commercial  bank,  its  investment  authority  and the ability of  Bancshares to
engage in  diversified  activities  would be more  limited and could  affect the
Bank's profitability. See "REGULATION."

Possible Dilutive Effect of Issuance of Additional Shares

         Various possible and planned issuances of Common Stock could dilute the
interests of prospective  stockholders of Bancshares or existing stockholders of
Bancorp following  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  as noted
below.

         The number of shares to be sold in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization
may be increased as a result of an increase in the Offering Price Range of up to
15% to  reflect  changes  in  market  and  financial  conditions  following  the
commencement of the Offerings.  In the event that the Offering Price Range is so
increased,  it is expected that Bancshares will issue up to 16,663,500 shares of
Conversion  Stock  at  the  Purchase  Price  for  an  aggregate  price  of up to
$166,635,000. An increase in the number of shares will decrease net earnings per
share and stockholders'  equity per share on a pro forma basis and will increase
Bancshares'   consolidated   stockholders'   equity   and  net   earnings.   See
"CAPITALIZATION" and "PRO FORMA DATA."

         The ESOP  intends to purchase an amount of Common  Stock equal to up to
8.0% of the Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion and Reorganization. In the
event that there are insufficient  shares available to fill the ESOP's order due
to an  oversubscription  by Eligible  Account  Holders  and the total  number of
shares of  Conversion  Stock  issued in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  is
increased  by up to 15%, the  additional  shares will first be allocated to fill
the ESOP's  subscription and thereafter in accordance with the terms of the Plan
of  Conversion.  See  "MANAGEMENT  OF THE BANK -- Benefit  Plans," " -- Employee
Stock Ownership Plan," and "THE CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION -- The Offerings"
" -- Subscription Offering," and " -- Priority 2: ESOP."

         If the  Recognition  Plan is  implemented,  the  Recognition  Plan  may
acquire  an  amount of Common  Stock  which  will  equal  4.0% of the  shares of
Conversion  Stock issued in the Conversion and  Reorganization  (579,600 shares,
based on the maximum of the Offering  Price Range).  Such shares of Common Stock
may be  acquired  in the open  market  with funds  provided  by  Bancshares,  if
permissible,  or from  authorized  but unissued  shares of Common Stock.  In the
event that additional shares of Common Stock are issued to the Recognition Plan,
stockholders  would  experience  dilution of their  ownership  interests and per
share stockholders' equity and per share net earnings would decrease as a result
of an increase in the number of  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock.  See "PRO
FORMA DATA" and "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- -- Recognition Plan."

                                       23
<PAGE>

         If Bancshares' Stock Option Plan is implemented, Bancshares may reserve
for  future  issuance  pursuant  to such plan a number of  authorized  shares of
Common Stock equal to an aggregate of 10% of the Conversion  Stock issued in the
Offerings  (1,449,000 shares, based on the maximum of the Offering Price Range).
See "PRO FORMA  DATA" and  "MANAGEMENT  OF THE BANK -- Benefit  Plans," and " --
Stock Option Plan."

         In 1993 the Bank adopted, and continues to maintain, the Harbor Federal
Savings Bank  Incentive  Stock Option Plan (the "Option  Plan"),  and the Harbor
Federal Savings Bank Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (the "Directors
Option Plan").  Upon  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  these
plans will remain plans of the Bank. See  "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Other Stock
Benefit Plans."

         The OTS has  required  that the purchase  limitations  contained in the
Plan of Conversion and  Reorganization  include  Exchange Shares to be issued to
Public  Stockholders  for their  Public  Bancorp  Shares.  As a result,  certain
holders of Public  Bancorp  Shares may be limited in their  ability to  purchase
Conversion  Stock in the  Offerings.  For example,  a Public  Stockholder  which
acquires Exchange Shares in an amount equal to $500,000 or a Public  Shareholder
and his Associates or a group acting in concert which acquires  Exchange  Shares
in an amount  equal to $4.75  million  of  Conversion Stock, will not be able to
purchase  any  shares of  Conversion  Stock in the  Offerings,  although  such a
stockholder will be able to purchase shares of Common Stock in the market during
the Offerings and thereafter.  No stockholder,  except as otherwise  required by
the OTS,  will be required to sell shares if, as a result of receiving  Exchange
Shares, his ownership  percentage would exceed a purchase  limitation.  See "THE
CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION  -- Limitations on Conversion Stock Purchases and
Ownership."

Risk of Delay

         The  Subscription and Community  Offering will expire at Noon,  Florida
Time, on March 6, 1998, unless extended by the Primary Parties.  However, unless
waived by the  Primary  Parties,  all  orders  will be  irrevocable  unless  the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  is not completed by April 20 1998. In the event
the  Conversion  and   Reorganization  is  not  completed  by  April  20,  1998,
subscribers will have the right to modify or rescind their  subscriptions and to
have their subscription funds returned with interest.

Possible  Adverse Income Tax  Consequences 

         The Bank has received an opinion of Peabody & Brown, subject to certain
assumptions  stated therein,  that the mergers  constituting  the Conversion and
Reorganization  will  qualify  under  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986  as
reorganizations where no gain or loss will be recognized to the Primary Parties.
In addition, the Primary Parties have received a letter from RP that states that
it is RP's belief that subscription  rights granted to Eligible Account Holders,
Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, have no value. However,
these  opinions  and  letters are not binding on the  Internal  Revenue  Service
("IRS").  Accordingly,  if the IRS were to successfully  assert that the mergers
constituting  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  either  were  part of a step
transaction  without independent  economic  significance and business purpose or
that  the  transactions  circumvented  the  repeal  of the  "General  Utilities"
doctrine, the mergers would not qualify as tax-free reorganizations resulting in
taxable  gain to the  parties to the  transaction.  If the  subscription  rights
granted to Eligible Account Holders,  Supplemental  Eligible Account Holders and
Other Members, are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of such rights
likely would be taxable only to those  Eligible  Account  Holders,  Supplemental
Eligible Account Holders, Other Members, directors, officers and employees in an
amount equal to such value.  Whether  subscription rights are considered to have
ascertainable value is an inherently factual determination.  See "THE CONVERSION
AND REORGANIZATION -- Effects of the Conversion and Reorganization" and " -- Tax
Aspects."

                                       24
<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES, INC.

         Harbor  Florida  Bancshares,   Inc.  ("Bancshares")  was  organized  in
November of 1997 at the  direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the
purpose of holding all of the capital  stock of the Bank in order to  facilitate
the Conversion and  Reorganization.  The Mutual Holding  Company and Bancorp are
presently   subject  to  regulation  by  the  OTS.   After  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization,  Bancshares will be subject to OTS  regulations.  Bancshares has
applied to the OTS for  authority  to acquire  100% of the Bank Common Stock and
become the savings and loan holding  company of the Bank.  This  application has
been approved subject to certain  conditions.  The Conversion and Reorganization
is contingent  upon various  approvals from the OTS. See  "REGULATION -- Company
Regulation." Upon consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization,  Bancshares
will have no significant assets other than all of the outstanding shares of Bank
Common Stock, an outstanding loan to the ESOP, and a portion of the net proceeds
of the Offering  retained by the Company.  Bancshares  will have no  significant
liabilities.  See "USE OF PROCEEDS." Initially, the management of Bancshares and
the Bank will be  substantially  similar.  Bancshares will neither own nor lease
any property but will instead use the  premises,  equipment and furniture of the
Bank.  At present time  Bancshares  does not intend to employ any persons  other
than executive officers who are also executive officers of the Bank.  Bancshares
will  utilize  the  support  staff of the  Bank  from  time to time.  Additional
employees will be hired as appropriate to the extent that Bancshares  expands or
changes its future business activities.

         Management  believes that the holding  company  structure  will provide
Bancshares  with  additional  flexibility  to diversify its business  activities
through  existing or newly formed  subsidiaries  or through  acquisitions  of or
mergers  with  other  financial  institutions  and  financial  services  related
companies.  Although  there  are  no  current  arrangements,  understandings  or
agreements regarding such opportunities or transactions, Bancshares will be in a
position  after  the  Conversion  and   Reorganization   subject  to  regulatory
limitations  and  Bancshares'  financial  position to take advantage of any such
acquisition and expansion  opportunities  that may arise. The initial activities
of  Bancshares  are  anticipated  to be funded by the proceeds to be retained by
Bancshares from the Conversion and  Reorganization  and earnings thereon as well
as dividends from the Bank. See "USE OF PROCEEDS" and "DIVIDEND POLICY."

         After the completion of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancshares
is expected to conduct  business  initially as a unitary thrift holding company.
See "BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES,  INC." Bancshares'  executive office
is located at the home office of the Bank at 100 S. Second Street,  Fort Pierce,
Florida 34954 and its telephone number is (561) 461-2414.


                          HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.

         Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc. ("Bancorp") was organized in December 1996
at the  direction  of the  Board of  Directors  of the Bank for the  purpose  of
holding  all of the  capital  stock of the  Bank.  Bancorp  acquired  all of the
outstanding  stock of the Bank in a one-for-one  stock  exchange  consummated on
June 25, 1997.  Bancorp has  received the approval of the OTS to become,  and is
currently, a thrift holding company, and as such is subject to regulation by the
OTS.  After the Conversion  and  Reorganization  Bancorp will cease to exist and
Bancshares will become the holding company for the Bank.

         Bancorp's executive office is located at the home office of the Bank at
100 S. Second Street,  Fort Pierce,  Florida 34954,  and its telephone number is
(561) 461-2414.

                                       25


<PAGE>


                           HARBOR FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

General

         The Bank  was  established  in 1934 as a  federally  chartered  savings
association.  In  January,  1994,  it was  reorganized  into the mutual  holding
company  form  of  organization  whereby  it  (i)  formed  a new  stock  savings
association; (ii) transferred substantially all of its assets and liabilities to
the newly formed  stock  savings bank in exchange for all of the common stock of
such  institution;  and (iii)  reorganized  from a federally  chartered,  mutual
association to a federally  chartered,  mutual holding  company known as "Harbor
Financial,  M.H.C." As part of the MHC  Reorganization,  the newly  formed stock
savings bank  subsidiary  issued  2,239,831  shares of capital  stock to certain
members  of the  general  public  and  2,654,369  shares of stock to the  Mutual
Holding Company.  On June 25, 1997, the Bank completed its  reorganization  into
the Mid-Tier Holding Company  structure.  Pursuant to that  reorganization,  the
Bank  exchanged  all of its shares in a  one-for-one  exchange for the shares of
Bancorp, a newly created Delaware corporation, which became the Mid-Tier Holding
Company  of  the  Bank.  The  primary  purpose  of  that  reorganization  was to
facilitate  repurchases of shares  without  adverse tax  consequences.  The Bank
became the 100% owned  subsidiary of Bancorp.  The Bank  currently  conducts its
business from 23 offices in six counties in southeastern  Florida.  At September
30,  1997,  the Bank had $1.1  billion of total  assets,  $1.0  billion of total
liabilities,  including  $922.8  million  of  deposits,  and  $85.3  million  of
stockholders' equity.

         The Bank is primarily  engaged in attracting  deposits from the general
public through its offices and using those and other available  sources of funds
to originate loans secured by one to four-family residences. One- to four-family
residential  loans amounted to $629.9  million,  or 71.46%,  of the Bank's total
loan  portfolio at September 30, 1997. To a lesser extent,  the Bank  originates
loans  secured by existing  multi-family  residential  and  nonresidential  real
estate,  which  amounted to $15.3 million or 1.74%,  and $55.0 million or 6.24%,
respectively,  of the total loan  portfolio  at September  30, 1997,  as well as
construction loans and consumer loans, which amounted to $47.8 million, or 5.42%
of the total loan  portfolio  and $89.0  million,  or 10.10%,  of the total loan
portfolio at such date,  respectively.  The Bank also invests in U.S. Government
and federal agency obligations and mortgage-backed  securities which are insured
by federal agencies. The Bank has two active subsidiary corporations.  Appraisal
Analysis,  Inc.  provides real estate appraisal  services to the Bank as well as
third parties. H.F. Development Company, Inc. serves as a repository of selected
REO properties held for disposition.

         The Bank is a  community-oriented  savings association which emphasizes
customer service and convenience.  As part of this strategy, the Bank has sought
to develop a variety of products and services which meet the needs of its retail
customers. The Bank generally has sought to achieve long-term financial strength
and  stability by (i)  increasing  the amount and  stability of its net interest
income, (ii) maintaining a high level of asset quality, (iii) maintaining a high
level of regulatory capital,  and (iv) controlling  general,  administrative and
other  expenses.  In pursuit of these  goals,  the Bank has  adopted a number of
complementary  business  strategies  which emphasize  retail lending and deposit
products and services traditionally offered by savings institutions.
Highlights of the Bank's business strategy include the following:

         Emphasis on Traditional Lending and Investment  Activities.  Management
believes  that  Bancshares  is more  likely to  achieve  its goals of  long-term
financial   strength  and  profitability  by  emphasizing  retail  products  and
services, as opposed to wholesale or commercial  activities.  The Bank's primary
lending  emphasis  is the  origination  of  loans  secured  by  first  liens  on
single-family (one- to four-unit)  residences.  In addition, the Bank originates
consumer loans,  such as home equity loans, and multi-family and  nonresidential
real estate loans.  Such loans  generally  provide for higher interest rates and
shorter terms than single-family residential real estate loans. At September 30,
1997,  the Bank's net loans  amounted to $834.3  million or 73.76% of the Bank's
total assets.

         Maintain Asset Quality.  Management believes that continuously  seeking
to  maintain  asset  quality is key to  long-term  financial  success  and, as a
result,  the  investments  which  are  emphasized  by the Bank  and its  related
policies and  practices  are intended to maintain a high level of asset  quality
and reduce credit risk. At

                                       26
<PAGE>

September  30,  1997,  the  Bank's  non-performing   assets,  which  consist  of
non-accrual  loans,  accruing loans that are  contractually  past due 90 days or
more,  and real estate  owned,  amounted to $4.9  million or 0.43% of the Bank's
total  assets.  At September  30,  1997,  the Bank's  allowance  for loan losses
amounted to $11.7 million or 1.40% of the Bank's total loans outstanding.

         Controlling Expenses.  The Bank's noninterest expenses have amounted to
1.93% and 2.53% (2.05% excluding  the  one-time  SAIF  special  assessment),  of
average  assets for the years ended  September 30, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.
However,  these expenses may increase in the future should Bancshares  implement
certain benefit plans or should experience significant growth. See "RISK FACTORS
- -- ESOP Compensation Expense" and "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Benefit Plans."

Regulation

         The Bank is subject to examination and comprehensive  regulation by the
OTS, which is the Bank's chartering authority and primary regulator,  and by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation  ("FDIC"),  which, as administrator of the
SAIF,  insures the Bank's  deposits up to  applicable  limits.  The Bank also is
subject to certain reserve requirements established by the Board of Governors of
the Federal  Reserve  System  ("Federal  Reserve  Board") and is a member of the
Federal  Home Loan Bank  ("FHLB")  of  Atlanta,  which is one of the 12 regional
banks comprising the FHLB System. See "REGULATION."

Office

         The Bank's  principal  executive  office is  located  at 100 S.  Second
Street, Fort Pierce, Florida 34964 and its telephone number is (561) 461-2414.


                            HARBOR FINANCIAL, M.H.C.

         The Mutual  Holding  Company is a federally  chartered  mutual  holding
company  which was  chartered  on  January  6, 1994 in  connection  with the MHC
Reorganization.  The Mutual Holding  Company's primary asset is 2,654,369 shares
of Bancorp Common Stock,  which represent 53.37% of the shares of Bancorp Common
Stock  outstanding  as of  September  30,  1997.  Prior  to the  Conversion  and
Reorganization,  each  depositor  in the Bank has both a deposit  account in the
institution  and a pro rata  ownership  interest  in the net worth of the Mutual
Holding Company based upon the value in his account,  which interest may only be
realized in the event of a liquidation of the Mutual Holding Company. As part of
the Conversion and Reorganization,  the Mutual Holding Company will convert from
mutual form to a federal interim stock savings  institution  and  simultaneously
merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank being the surviving entity.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         Net proceeds from the sale of the Conversion  Stock are estimated to be
between $105.6 million and $143.2 million ($164.7  million  assuming an increase
in the Offering Price Range by 15%). See "Pro Forma Data" as to the  assumptions
used to arrive at such amounts.

         Bancshares plans to contribute to the Bank 50% of the net proceeds from
the  Offerings  and  retain  the  remainder  of the net  proceeds.  The  Company
anticipates  that after the loan to the ESOP and after  contributing  50% of the
funds raised in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  to the Bank,  it will have
approximately  $60.0 million (based upon the sale of 14,490,000 shares of Common
Stock)  which it intends to loan to the Bank.  The Bank will invest these funds,
initially in short  interest-bearing  deposits and short and  intermediate  term
securities.  The Company  intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to make a
loan directly to the ESOP to enable the ESOP

                                       27
<PAGE>

to purchase 8.0% of the Conversion Stock.  Based upon the issuance of 10,710,000
shares and 14,490,000  shares of Conversion  Stock at the minimum and maximum of
the  Offering  Price  Range,  respectively,  the loan to the ESOP  would be $8.6
million and $11.6 million,  respectively. It is anticipated that the loan to the
ESOP will have a term of not less than 20 years and a fixed rate of  interest at
the  prime  rate as of the  date of the  loan.  See  "MANAGEMENT  OF THE BANK --
Employee Stock Ownership Plan." The net proceeds retained by Bancshares also may
be used to support the future  expansion of operations or  diversification  into
other banking-related  businesses and for other business or investment purposes,
including the acquisition of other financial institutions and/or branch offices,
although there are no current plans, arrangements,  understandings or agreements
regarding  such  expansion,  diversification  or  acquisitions.  The Bank  does,
however,  continually  evaluate  additional  branching  opportunities  that will
complement existing  operations or support expansion into new markets.  The Bank
owns  certain  vacant  land in its  market  area  which  may be used for  branch
expansion in 1998. No assurance can be given,  however, that such expansion will
occur during 1998. In addition,  subject to applicable  regulatory  limitations,
the net proceeds also may be used to repurchase shares of Common Stock, although
Bancshares  currently has made no decision  concerning  the repurchase of shares
following consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization. See "THE CONVERSION
AND  REORGANIZATION  -- Certain  Restrictions  on Purchase or Transfer of Shares
after the  Conversion  and  Reorganization."  The  portion  of the net  proceeds
contributed to the Bank will be used for general corporate  purposes,  primarily
investment in residential real estate loans and will be initially used to invest
primarily in short-term interest-bearing deposits and marketable securities.

         In addition,  a portion of the proceeds may be used to fund open market
purchases of Common Stock for the  Recognition  Plan if such plan is approved by
shareholders.  The estimated cost of such plans is dependent upon the price paid
for the shares in the open market. If Common Stock equal to 4% at the maximum of
the Offering Range, or 579,600 shares, was purchased for the Recognition Plan at
$10 per share, the cost would be $5.8 million. See "MANAGEMENT OF HARBOR FEDERAL
SAVINGS BANK -- Recognition Plan."


                                 DIVIDEND POLICY

         Upon  completion of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  the Board of
Directors of Bancshares will continue to have the authority to declare dividends
on the Common Stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. Following
consummation  of the  Conversion and  Reorganization,  the Board of Directors of
Bancshares  intends  to pay cash  dividends  on the  Common  Stock at an initial
quarterly  rate  equal to no less than  35(cent)  per  share  based on the total
Public  Bancorp Shares  outstanding  before  consummation  of the Conversion and
Reorganization.  Based upon the  Offering  Price Range,  the  Exchange  Ratio is
expected  to be 3.8899,  4.5764,  5.2629 and  6.0523 at the  minimum,  midpoint,
maximum and 15% above the maximum of the  Offering  Price  Range,  respectively,
resulting in an initial quarterly dividend rate of $0.08998  $0.07648,  $0.06650
and $0.05783  per share,  respectively,  commencing  with the first full quarter
following  consummation  of the Conversion and  Reorganization.  Declarations of
dividends  by the Board of  Directors  will  depend  upon a number  of  factors,
including  the  amount  of the net  proceeds  from  the  Offerings  retained  by
Bancshares,  investment  opportunities  available  to  Bancshares  or the  Bank,
capital  requirements,   regulatory  limitations,  Bancshares'  and  the  Bank's
financial  condition and results of operations,  tax  considerations and general
economic conditions. Consequently, there can be no assurance that dividends will
in fact be paid on the Common Stock or that, if paid, such dividends will not be
reduced or eliminated in future periods.  Bancshares  intends to continue to pay
regular  quarterly  dividends  through  either the date of  consummation  of the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  (on a pro rata  basis) or the end of the fiscal
quarter  during which the  consummation  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization
occurs.

         Dividends from Bancshares after the Conversion and Reorganization  will
depend,  in part,  upon receipt of dividends from the Bank,  because  Bancshares
initially  will have no source of income  other  than  dividends  from the Bank,
earnings  from the  investment  of proceeds  from the sale of  Conversion  Stock
retained by  Bancshares,  and interest on the ESOP loan. A regulation of the OTS
imposes limitations on "capital distributions" by savings

                                       28
<PAGE>



institutions,  including cash  dividends,  payments by a savings  institution to
repurchase or otherwise  acquire its stock,  payments to stockholders of another
savings institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions charged against
capital.  The regulation  establishes a three-tiered  system,  with the greatest
flexibility being afforded to  well-capitalized  or Tier 1 savings  institutions
and the least flexibility being afforded to  under-capitalized or Tier 3 savings
institutions.  As of  September  30,  1997,  the  Bank  was  a  Tier  1  savings
institution and is expected to continue to so qualify immediately  following the
consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization.  However, for a period of one
year following the completion of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  the Bank
will not pay any dividends that would be treated for tax purposes as a return of
capital nor take any actions to pursue or propose such dividends.

         Any  payment of  dividends  by the Bank to  Bancshares  which  would be
deemed to be a  distribution  from the Bank's  pre-1988  bad debt  reserves  for
federal income tax purposes would require a payment of taxes at the then-current
tax rate by the Bank on the amount of  earnings  deemed to be  removed  from the
reserves for such distribution.  The Bank has no current intention of making any
distribution  that would create such a federal tax  liability  either  before or
after the Conversion and  Reorganization.  See  "REGULATION  --Federal and State
Taxation."

         Unlike  the  Bank,  Bancshares  is not  subject  to the  aforementioned
regulatory  restrictions  on the  payment  of  dividends  to  its  stockholders,
although the source of such dividends will be, in part, dependent upon dividends
from the  Bank in  addition  to the net  proceeds  retained  by  Bancshares  and
earnings  thereon.  Bancshares  is  subject,  however,  to the  requirements  of
Delaware law.

                             MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

         There is an established  market for the Bancorp Common Stock,  which is
currently  listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "HARB." Bancorp
Common Stock had five (5) market  makers as of October 31, 1997.  It is expected
that the  Bancshares  Common Stock,  which will be received after the Conversion
and Reorganization in the form of Exchange Shares, will be more liquid after the
Conversion and  Reorganization  than the Bancorp Common Stock because there will
be significantly more outstanding shares owned by the public. However, there can
be no assurance  that an active and liquid  trading  market for the Common Stock
will be maintained.  FBR will assist  Bancshares in obtaining  additional market
makers,  if  necessary,  but there can be no assurance  that  additional  market
makers will be  identified.  Making a market  involves  maintaining  bid and ask
quotations and being able, as principal,  to effect  transactions  in reasonable
quantities at those quoted prices,  subject to various securities laws and other
regulatory requirements.

         At September 30, 1997,  there were  4,973,428  shares of Bancorp Common
Stock outstanding, including 2,319,059 Public Bancorp Shares, which were held of
record by approximately 2,295  stockholders.  The following table shows the high
and low per share sales prices of the Bancorp Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq
National  Market since the MHC  Reorganization  and the  dividends  declared per
share during the periods indicated. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices,
without retail markup,  markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent
actual transactions.

                                       29
<PAGE>

 Quarter Ended             High         Low      Dividends Declared Per Share
 -------------             ----         ---      ----------------------------
March 31, 1994            $14.50       $11.00               $.1125
June 30, 1994              15.25        11.75                .1125
September 30, 1994         20.25        14.25                .1125
December 31, 1994          19.25        15.00                .2250
March 31, 1995             18.50        15.50                .2250
June 30, 1995              19.75        17.75                .2250
September 30, 1995         23.50        19.75                .2250
December 31, 1995          27.75        21.75                .30
March 31, 1996             28.25        24.75                .30
June 30, 1996              29.375       25.25                .30
September 30, 1996         30.25        23.75                .30
December 31, 1996          36.25        29.50                .35
March 31, 1997             39.00        33.50                .35
June 30, 1997              46.00        35.00                .35
September 30, 1997         59.375       54.00                .35
December 31, 1997          70.00        55.875               .35

The closing price of Bancorp  Common Stock on September 30, 1997 was $56.00.  On
January 27, 1998,  the date of this  Prospectus,  the closing price of Bancorp's
Common Stock was $65.25. 


                                 CAPITALIZATION

         The  following   table   presents   Bancorp's   and  its   consolidated
subsidiaries',   including  the  Bank's,   historical  capitalization  including
deposits at September 30, 1997 and the pro forma consolidated  capitalization of
Bancshares after giving effect to the Conversion and  Reorganization  based upon
the sale of the  indicated  number of shares at $10 per share and upon the other
assumptions set forth under "PRO FORMA DATA."


                                       30

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Pro Forma Consolidated Capitalization
                                                                   at September 30, 1997 Based Upon The Sale Of:
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      Maximum as
                                                               Minimum           Midpoint          Maximum            adjusted(1)
                                              Historical   10,710,000 shares 12,600,000 shares  14,490,000 shares  16,663,500 shares
                                            Capitalization  Price of $10.00   Price of $10.00   Price of $10.00     Price of $10.00
                                            June 30, 1997     Per Share         Per Share          Per Share          Per Share
                                            -------------     ---------         ---------         ----------          ---------
                                                                         (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                         <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>                  <C>        
Deposits (2) .............................  $   911,576     $   911,576       $   911,576        $   911,576         $   911,576
Borrowings(6) ............................      100,475         100,475           100,475            100,475             100,475
                                            -----------     -----------       -----------        -----------         -----------
Total deposits and borrowings ............  $ 1,012,051     $ 1,012,051       $ 1,012,051        $ 1,012,051         $ 1,012,051
                                            ===========     ===========       ===========        ===========         ===========
                                                                                  
Stockholders' equity:                                                             
 Preferred stock, par value $.10                                                  
   per share, 10,000,000 shares                                                   
   authorized; none issued ...............            0               0                 0                 0                    0
 Common stock, par value $.10 per                                                                                
   share, 70,000,000 shares                                                       
   authorized; shares reflect
   par value of shares to be 
   issued(3)(4)(7) .......................            5           1,973             2,321             2,669                3,070
 Additional paid-in capital(3) ...........       26,921         130,564           148,986           167,407              188,592
 Retained earnings(5) ....................       71,203          71,203            71,203            71,203               71,203
 Unrealized gain (loss) on                                                        
   securities available for                                                       
   sale, net .............................           (7)             (7)               (7)               (7)                  (7)
                                                                                                                                 
Less:  Existing plans                                                             
 Common stock acquired by ESOP ...........         (374)           (374)             (374)             (374)                (374)
 Common stock acquired by                                                                                                        
   Deferred Compensation Plans ...........         (946)           (946)             (946)             (946)                (946)
                                                                                                                            
 Common stock acquired by ESOP(3) ........            0          (8,568)          (10,080)          (11,592)             (13,331)
 Common stock acquired by                                                                                         
   Recognition Plan(3) ...................            0          (4,284)           (5,040)           (5,796)              (6,665)
                                            -----------     -----------       -----------       -----------          -----------
Total stockholders' equity ...............  $    96,802     $   189,561       $   206,063       $   222,654          $   241,542
                                            ===========     ===========       ===========       ===========          ===========
Total stockholders' equity to                                                                                     
  total assets ...........................         8.56%          15.49%            16.61%            17.71%               18.93%
</TABLE>

                                      31

<PAGE>
- ---------------

(1)  As  adjusted  to give  effect to an  increase  in the number of shares that
     could  occur to an  increase  in the  Offering  Price Range of up to 15% to
     reflect changes in market and financial  conditions prior to the completion
     of the Conversion and Reorganization or to fill the order of the ESOP.

(2)  No  effect  is given to  possible  withdrawals  from  deposit  accounts  to
     purchase  the Common  Stock.  Any such  withdrawals  will  reduce pro forma
     deposits by the amounts thereof.

(3)  Assumes that 8% and 4% of the shares sold in the Offering will be purchased
     by the ESOP and the  Recognition  Plan,  respectively.  No  shares  will be
     purchased by the Recognition Plan in the Conversion and Reorganization.  It
     is assumed on a pro forma basis that the  Recognition  Plan will be adopted
     by the Board of  Directors,  approved by the  stockholders  at a special or
     annual  meeting  no  earlier  than  six  months  after  completion  of  the
     Conversion and  Reorganization  and reviewed by the OTS. It is assumed that
     the Recognition Plan will purchase Common Stock in the open market in order
     to give an  indication  of its  effects  on  capitalization.  The pro forma
     presentation  does not show the impact of: (i) results of operations  after
     the Conversion and Reorganization;  (ii) changes in market prices of shares
     of the Common Stock after the  Conversion  and  Reorganization;  or (iii) a
     smaller than 4% purchase by the  Recognition  Plan.  Assumes that the funds
     used to acquire the ESOP shares will be borrowed  from the Company for a 20
     year term.  For an  estimate  of impact of the ESOP on  earnings,  see "PRO
     FORMA DATA." The Bank intends to make  contributions to the ESOP sufficient
     to service and ultimately retire its debt. The amount to be acquired by the
     ESOP and the  Recognition  Plan is reflected as a reduction in  stockholder
     equity.  The issuance of authorized but unissued shares for the Recognition
     Plan in an  amount  equal to 4% of the  amount of  Conversion  Stock in the
     Offering will have the effect of diluting existing stockholders'  interests
     by 2.1%.  There can be no assurance that approval of the  Recognition  Plan
     will be obtained. See "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Other Stock Benefit Plans"
     and " -- Stock Option Plans."

(4)  Assumes  that  (i) the  2,319,059  Public  Bancorp  Shares  outstanding  at
     September 30, 1997 are exchanged for 9,021,024, 10,612,969,  12,204,915 and
     14,035,652 at the minimum midpoint maximum and 15% above the maximum of the
     Offering  Price  Range,  respectively;  and  (ii)  that  no cash in lieu of
     fractional  Exchange  Shares will be issued by the  Company.  No effect has
     been given to the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to
     existing  and  proposed  stock  option plans as opposed to purchases in the
     open market. See "PRO FORMA DATA."

(5)  The retained  earnings of the Bank will be  substantially  restricted after
     the Conversion and  Reorganization by virtue of the liquidation  account to
     be  established  by  the  Bank  in  connection   with  the  Conversion  and
     Reorganization.  See "THE  CONVERSION  AND  REORGANIZATION  --  Liquidation
     Rights." In addition, certain distributions of the Bank's retained earnings
     may be treated as being from its pre-1988  accumulated bad debt reserve for
     tax purposes which would cause the Bank to have  additional  taxable income
     and  financial  statement  expense.  See  "REGULATION  -- Federal and State
     Taxation." The pro forma amounts do not include  $246,000 of assets held by
     the Mutual Holding Company.

(6)  Consists of $100 million in advances  from the FHLB of Atlanta and $375,000
     from a third party lender to fund the  existing  ESOP,  and  $100,000  note
     payable relating to the purchase of land.

(7)  The par value of Bancorp  Common Stock is $.01 per share.  The par value of
     Bancshares Common Stock is $.10 per share.

                                  -------------

                                       32
<PAGE>

                   HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

         At September  30, 1997 the Bank  exceeded each of the three OTS capital
requirements. Set forth below is a summary of the Bank's compliance with the OTS
capital  standards as of September 30, 1997, on a historical and pro forma basis
assuming  that the  indicated  number of shares of Common Stock were sold at $10
per share as of such date.  See "PRO  FORMA  DATA" for the  assumptions  used to
determine the net proceeds of the Conversion and Reorganization.


                                       33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Pro Forma at September 30, 1997 Based Upon Sale at $10.00 Per Share
                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                   10,710,000 Shares            12,600,000 Shares   
                                         Historical                    (Minimum of                 (Midpoint of     
                                 at September 30, 1997(1)            Offering Range)              Offering Range)    
                                 ------------------------       -----------------------     ------------------------
                                                 Percent                      Percent                      Percent  
                                                   of                           of                           of     
                                   Amount       Assets(1)       Amount(2)     Assets(1)      Amount(2)     Assets(1)
                                   ------       ---------       ---------     ---------      ---------     ---------
<S>                              <C>               <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>   
GAAP capital(3) ..............    $85,307         7.54%          $125,261      10.62%        $132,378       11.14%

Tangible capital .............    $82,269         7.29%          $122,223      10.39%        $129,340       10.91%
Tangible requirement .........     16,921         1.50             17,649       1.50           17,778        1.50 
                                   ------         ----             ------       ----           ------        ---- 
Excess .......................    $65,348         5.79%          $104,574       8.89%        $111,562        9.41% 
                                   ======         ====            =======       ====          =======        ====  
Core Capital .................    $82,269         7.29%          $122,223      10.39%        $129,340       10.91%
Core requirement .............     33,842         3.00             35,298       3.00           35,557        3.00  
                                   ------         ----             ------       ----           ------        ----  
Excess .......................    $48,427         4.29%           $86,925       7.39%         $93,783        7.91% 
                                   ======         ====             ======       ====           ======        ====  
Total risk-based capital(4) ..    $89,721        15.15%          $129,675      21.55%        $136,792       22.66% 
Risk-based requirement .......     47,371         8.00             48,147       8.00           48,285        8.00  
                                   ------         ----             ------       ----           ------        ----  
Excess .......................    $42,350         7.15%           $81,528      13.55%         $88,507       14.66% 
                                   ======         ====             ======      =====           ======       =====  
                                                                                       
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Pro Forma at September 30, 1997 Based
                                              Upon Sale at $10.00 Per Share
                                --------------------------------------------------------
                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                    14,490,000 Shares              16,663,500 Shares    
                                       (Maximum of                (15% above Maximum    
                                     Offering Range)                 Offering Range)     
                                ------------------------       ------------------------
                                               Percent                         Percent
                                                 of                              of   
                                Amount(2)     Assets(1)        Amount(2)      Assets(1)
                                ---------     ---------        ---------      ---------
<S>                              <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>   
GAAP capital(3) ....... ......   $139,494      11.66%          $147,677         12.24%  

Tangible capital ...... ......   $136,456      11.43%          $144,639         12.02%  
Tangible requirement .. ......     17,908       1.50             18,057          1.50   
                                   ------       ----             ------          ----   
Excess ................ ......   $118,548       9.93%          $126,582         10.52%  
                                  =======       ====            =======         =====   
Core Capital .......... ......   $136,456      11.43%          $144,639         12.02%  
Core requirement ...... ......     35,815       3.00             36,113          3.00   
                                   ------       ----             ------          ----   
Excess ................ ......   $100,641       8.43%          $108,526          9.02%  
                                  =======       ====            =======          ====   
Total risk-based capital(4) ..   $143,908      23.77%          $152,091         25.04%  
Risk-based requirement .......     48,423       8.00             48,582          8.00   
                                   ------       ----             ------          ----   
Excess .......................    $95,485      15.77%          $103,509         17.04%  
                                   ======      =====            =======         =====   
                                                                         
</TABLE>
- -------------
(1)  GAAP, adjusted or risk weighted assets as appropriate.
(2)  Pro forma capital levels include the impact of the ESOP,  Recognition  Plan
     and  assume  receipt  by  the  Bank  of  50% of  the  net  proceeds  of the
     Conversion and Reorganization.
(3)  Subject to certain restrictions.
(4)  Assumes net proceeds are invested in assets that carry 20% risk weight.

                                       34
<PAGE>

                                 PRO FORMA DATA

         The actual net proceeds from the sale of the Conversion Stock cannot be
determined until the Conversion and  Reorganization is completed.  However,  net
proceeds are currently estimated to be between $105.6 million and $143.2 million
(or $164.7  million in the event the  Offering  Price Range is increased by 15%)
based upon the following assumptions:  (i) no fees will be paid to FBR on shares
purchased by (x) the ESOP or by (y) officers,  directors and associates thereof;
(ii) FBR will receive a fee equal to .75% of the  aggregate  Purchase  Price for
sales in the Subscription and Community  Offering  (excluding the sale of shares
by the  ESOP  and to  officers,  directors  or  employees  or  members  of their
immediate families);  and (iii) total expenses,  excluding the marketing fees to
be paid to FBR, will be  approximately  $750,000 at the Midpoint of the Offering
Range. Actual expenses may vary from those estimated.

         Pro  forma  net  earnings  have  been  calculated  for the  year  ended
September 30, 1997 as if the Conversion  Stock to be issued in the Offerings had
been sold (and the Exchange  Shares  issued) at the beginning of the  respective
periods and the net proceeds  had been  invested at the one year  Treasury  Bill
Rate  which was 5.49% as of  September  30,  1997.  The  Treasury  Bill Rate was
required to be utilized in the Business Plan and more nearly reflects the actual
and anticipated  yields  available on invested funds.  The effect of withdrawals
from  deposit  accounts  for the  purchase  of  Conversion  Stock  has not  been
reflected.  An effective  combined  federal and state tax rate of 40.7% has been
assumed for the periods,  resulting in an after-tax  yield of 3.23% for the year
ended  September 30, 1997.  Historical and pro forma per share amounts have been
calculated by dividing  historical and pro forma amounts by the indicated number
of shares of Common Stock, as adjusted to give effect to the shares purchased by
the ESOP and Recognition  Plan. See Notes 1 and 2 to the tables below. No effect
has been  given  in the pro  forma  stockholders'  equity  calculations  for the
assumed  earnings on the net  proceeds.  As discussed  under "Use of  Proceeds,"
Bancshares  intends  to  retain  50% of the net  proceeds  from  the  Offerings.
Bancshares  intends to make a loan to fund the purchase by the ESOP an amount of
Conversion  Stock equal to up to 8% of the Common  Stock sold in the  Conversion
and Reorganization.

         At the  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  9,021,024,
10,612,969,  12,204,915 and 14,035,652  shares of Common Stock,  at the minimum,
midpoint,  maximum and 15% above the  maximum,  respectively,  will be issued to
Public  Stockholders   pursuant  to  the  Exchange.   See  "THE  CONVERSION  AND
REORGANIZATION -- The Exchange Ratio."

         No effect has been given in the tables to the  issuance  of  additional
shares of Common Stock  pursuant to existing and proposed  stock option plans as
opposed to purchases in the open market.  See "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Benefit
Plans." The tables below give effect to the Recognition  Plan, which is expected
to be adopted by Bancshares  following the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  and
presented  (together with the Stock Option Plan) to stockholders for approval at
an annual or  special  meeting  of  stockholders  to be held at least six months
following  the  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  If  the
Recognition  Plan is approved by  stockholders,  the Recognition Plan intends to
acquire  an amount of Common  Stock  equal to 4.0% of the  shares of  Conversion
Stock issued in the  Offerings,  either  through  open market  purchases or from
authorized but unissued  shares of Common Stock. No effect has been given to (i)
Bancshares'  results of operations after the Conversion and  Reorganization,  or
(ii)  the  market   price  of  the  Common  Stock  after  the   Conversion   and
Reorganization.

         The following pro forma  information may not be  representative  of the
financial  effects  of the  foregoing  transactions  at the dates on which  such
transactions  actually  occur and  should not be taken as  indicative  of future
results of operations.  Pro forma stockholders' equity represents the difference
between the stated  amount of pro forma  assets and  liabilities  of the Company
computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles  ("GAAP").
The pro forma stockholders'  equity is not intended to represent the fair market
value of the  Common  Stock and may be  different  than  amounts  that  would be
available for distribution to stockholders in the event of liquidation.

                                       35

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  For the Year Ended September 30, 1997
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                            Maximum As
                                                      Minimum          Midpoint         Maximum              Adjusted
                                                    10,710,000        12,600,000       14,490,000           16,663,500
                                                       Shares            Shares          Shares               Shares
                                                    $10.00 per        $10.00 per       $10.00 per           $10.00 per
                                                       share             share            share               share
                                                       -----             -----            -----               -----
                                                             (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>             <C>                <C>         
Gross proceeds ...............................       $107,100          $126,000         $144,900           $166,635
  Less: estimated offering expenses ..........          1,489             1,619            1,750              1,900
                                                        -----             -----            -----           --------
Estimated net proceeds .......................       $105,611          $124,381         $143,150           $164,735
  Less:  Common Stock acquired by ESOP .......         (8,568)          (10,080)         (11,592)           (13,331)
         Common Stock acquired by
         Recognition Plan ....................         (4,284)           (5,040)          (5,796)            (6,665)
                                                        -----           -------          -------            -------
  Estimated net proceeds as adjusted .........        $92,759          $109,261         $125,762           $144,739
                                                       ======           =======          =======            =======
Consolidated net income:
  Historical net income ......................        $13,327           $13,327          $13,327            $13,327
  Pro forma income on net proceeds ...........          2,992             3,525            4,057              4,669
  Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) ..............           (254)             (299)            (344)              (395)
  Pro forma Recognition Plan adjustments(2) ..           (508)             (598)            (687)              (791)
                                                        -----             -----              ---            -------
Pro forma net income .........................        $15,557           $15,955          $16,353            $16,810
                                                       ======            ======           ======             ======
Per share income:
   Historical net income, as adjusted(8) .....          $0.69             $0.59            $0.51              $0.44
   Pro forma income on net proceeds ..........           0.16              0.16             0.16               0.16
   Pro forma ESOP adjustments(1) .............          (0.01)            (0.01)           (0.01)             (0.01)
   Pro forma Recognition Plan adjustment(2) ..          (0.03)            (0.03)           (0.03)             (0.03)
                                                         ----            ------           ------             ------
Pro forma net income per share ...............          $0.81             $0.71            $0.63              $0.56
                                                         ====              ====             ====               ====
Offering price to pro forma net income 
   per share .................................          12.35x            14.29x           16.03x             17.86x
                                                       ======            ======           ======             ======
Number of shares used in  per share
  income calculations(7): ....................     19,263,932        22,663,452       26,112,972         29,992,412
                                                
Stockholders' equity(6):                        
  Historical, as adjusted(8) .................        $96,802           $96,802          $96,802            $96,802
  Estimated net proceeds(3) ..................        105,611           124,381          143,150            164,735
  Less:  Common stock acquired by ESOP(1) ....         (8,568)          (10,080)         (11,592)           (13,331)
         Common stock acquired by               
         Recognition Plan(2) .................         (4,284)           (5,040)          (5,796)            (6,665)
                                                       ------           -------          -------         ----------
    Pro forma stockholders' equity(5) ........       $189,561          $206,063         $222,564           $241,541
                                                      =======           =======          =======            =======
                                               
Stockholders' equity per share(6):
  Historical .................................          $4.91             $4.17            $3.63              $3.15
  Estimated net proceeds(3) ..................           5.35              5.36             5.36               5.37
  Less:  Common Stock acquired by ESOP(1) ....          (0.43)            (0.43)           (0.43)             (0.43)
         Common Stock acquired by                                                    
         Recognition Plan(2) .................          (0.22)            (0.22)           (0.22)             (0.22)
                                                         ----            ------           ------             ------
Pro forma stockholders' equity 
  per share(4)(5)(7) .........................          $9.61             $8.88            $8.34              $7.87
                                                         ====              ====             ====               ====
Offering price as a percent of pro forma
  shareholders' equity per share(4) ..........         104.06%           112.61%          119.90%            127.06%

Number of shares used in per share equity         
  calculation ................................     19,731,024        23,212,969       26,649,915         30,699,152 
                                                  

</TABLE>
                                       36
<PAGE>


(1)  It is assumed  that up to 8% of the shares of Common  Stock  offered in the
     Conversion and Reorganization will be purchased by the ESOP. The funds used
     to acquire such shares are expected to be borrowed by the ESOP from the net
     proceeds from the Conversion and Reorganization retained by Bancshares. The
     Bank intends to make contributions to the ESOP in amounts at least equal to
     the principal and interest  requirement  of the debt. The Bank's payment of
     the ESOP debt is based upon equal  installments  of principal  and interest
     over a 20-year period.  However,  assuming  Bancshares makes the ESOP loan,
     interest  income  earned by  Bancshares  on the ESOP debt will  offset  the
     interest paid by the Bank. The amount of ESOP debt,  which is equivalent to
     the cost of  unallocated  common stock held by the ESOP,  is reflected as a
     reduction  of  stockholders'  equity.  In the  event  that the ESOP were to
     receive a loan from an  independent  third  party,  both ESOP  expense  and
     earnings  on the  proceeds  retained  by  Bancshares  would be  expected to
     increase.

     For  purposes of this  table,  the  purchase  price of $10.00 per share was
     utilized  to  calculate   ESOP  expense.   Bancshares   intends  to  record
     compensation  expense  related  to the  ESOP in  accordance  with  American
     Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Statement of Position 93-6 ("SOP
     93-6").  As a  result,  to  the  extent  the  value  of  the  Common  Stock
     appreciates  over  time,  compensation  expense  related  to the ESOP  will
     increase.  SOP  93-6  also  requires  that,  for  the  earnings  per  share
     computations  for leveraged  ESOPs,  outstanding  shares  include only such
     shares  as  have  been  committed  to  be  released  to  participants.  See
     "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Employee Stock Ownership Plan."

(2)  Assuming  the  receipt  of  shareholder  approval  at an annual or  special
     meeting  of  shareholders  to be held at least  six  months  following  the
     consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization,  the Bank and Bancshares
     intend to implement  the  Recognition  Plan.  Assuming such  approval,  the
     Recognition  Plan will eventually  purchase an amount of shares equal to 4%
     of the shares of  Conversion  Stock issued in the Offerings for issuance to
     directors,  officers and employees of Bancshares and the Bank.  Such shares
     may be purchased from authorized and unissued shares or on the open market.
     Bancshares  currently  intends  that the  shares be  purchased  on the open
     market at the assumed purchase price of $10.00,  and that the estimated net
     conversion  proceeds  have been  reduced for the  purchase of the shares in
     determining  estimated proceeds available for investment.  The Common Stock
     to be purchased by the Recognition  Plan represents  unearned  compensation
     and is,  accordingly,  reflected as a reduction to pro forma  stockholders'
     equity.  As shares of the Common Stock granted  pursuant to the Recognition
     Plan vest over five  years,  an  expense  will be  recognized  as well as a
     corresponding  reversal  in the  reduction  in  capital.  In the event that
     authorized  but  unissued   shares  are  issued  in  connection   with  the
     Recognition  Plan as opposed to acquired in the open market,  the interests
     of existing  shareholders will be diluted.  Assuming that 12,600,000 shares
     of Common Stock are issued in the  Conversion and  Reorganization  and that
     all awards  under the  Recognition  Plan are from  authorized  but unissued
     shares,  Bancshares  estimates that the per share book value for the Common
     Stock would be  increased  $0.02 per share,  or 0.2% and earnings per share
     would be  diluted  $0.01  per  share,  or 1.4% on a pro  forma  basis as of
     September 30, 1997.

(3)  No effect has been  given to  withdrawals  from  savings  accounts  for the
     purpose of purchasing  Common Stock in the Conversion  and  Reorganization.
     For purposes of calculating pro forma net income,  proceeds attributable to
     purchases by the ESOP, which purchases are to be funded by Bancshares, have
     been deducted from net proceeds.

(4)  Historical  pro forma equity per share amounts have been computed as if the
     shares of Common Stock  indicated had been  outstanding at the beginning of
     the periods or on the dates shown, but without any adjustment of historical
     net income or historical  equity to reflect the investment of the estimated
     net proceeds of the sale of shares in the Conversion and  Reorganization as
     described  above. All ESOP and Recognition Plan shares have been considered
     outstanding for purposes of computing book value per


                                       37


<PAGE>

     share. Pro forma share amounts  have  been  computed  by  dividing  the pro
     forma net income or stockholders' equity  (book  value)  by  the  number of
     shares indicated.

(5)  "Book value"  represents the  difference  between the stated amounts of the
     Company's  assets (based on historical  cost) and  liabilities  computed in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts shown
     do not  reflect  the  effect  of the  Liquidation  Account  which  will  be
     established  by the Bank  for the  benefit  of  Eligible  and  Supplemental
     Eligible  Account  Holders in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  or the
     federal income tax  consequences of the restoration to income of the Bank's
     bad debt  reserves for income tax  purposes  which would be required in the
     unlikely event of liquidation.  See "THE CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION  --
     Effects of Conversion and  Reorganization"  and  "REGULATION -- Federal and
     State  Taxation."  The amounts shown for book value do not  represent  fair
     market values or amounts,  if any,  distributable  to  stockholders  in the
     unlikely event of liquidation.

(6)  The retained  earnings of the Bank will be  substantially  restricted after
     the   Conversion   and   Reorganization.   See   "REGULATION   --   Capital
     Requirements."  Dividends  will also be restricted in that the Bank may not
     declare a dividend that would be a return of capital for one year after the
     Conversion and  Reorganization.  See "DIVIDEND POLICY." Direct costs beyond
     estimated  offering  expenses  related to the sale of Common Stock,  if the
     Offerings  are  completed,  will be recorded as a reduction in proceeds and
     applied to paid in capital.  If the  Conversion and  Reorganization  is not
     consummated,  such costs will be charged to expenses. At September 30, 1997
     $30,000 of such costs had been incurred. The Common Stock of  Bancshares is
     being offered in the Conversion and Reorganization.  At  the Conversion and
     Reorganization,  the Bank will establish a liquidation account,  which will
     also  act  as  a  restriction  on  earnings.   See   "THE   CONVERSION  AND
     REORGANIZATION -- Liquidation Account."

(7)  The  number of shares  used in the per share  income  calculations  reflect
     historical  shares  as  adjusted  for the  Exchange  Shares  issued  in the
     Offerings,  and  incremental  shares  related to existing  stock options as
     adjusted for the Exchange  considered  for EPS purposes  under the Treasury
     stock method. No effect has been given in the  stockholders'  equity tables
     to the issuance of additional  shares of Common Stock  pursuant to existing
     and proposed stock option plans.

(8)  Historical  per  share  amounts  have  been  adjusted  for the  appropriate
     Exchange Ratio at the Minimum, Midpoint, Maximum and Maximum as Adjusted.


                                       38

<PAGE>

                          HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

         The  consolidated  condensed  statements of earnings of Harbor  Florida
Bancorp, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, Harbor Federal Savings Bank, and the
Bank's  subsidiaries  for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 have
been derived from the  consolidated  financial  statements  audited by KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP,  independent  certified  public  accountants,  whose report thereon
appears elsewhere herein. The condensed statements of earnings should be read in
conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
contained herein beginning on page F-1.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                
                                       Years Ended September 30
                                   -------------------------------
                                   1997           1996         1995   
                                   ----           ----         ----   
                                              (In thousands)
<S>                               <C>             <C>         <C>     
Interest income ..............  $ 84,814        $ 74,357    $ 64,884  
                                --------        --------    --------  
Interest expense .............    45,159          39,114      33,280  
                                --------        --------    --------  
 Net interest income .........    39,655          35,243      31,604  
Provision for (recovery                     
 of) loan losses .............       782             (76)        460  
                                --------        --------    --------  
Net interest income                         
 after provision for                        
 (recovery of) loan                         
 losses ......................    38,873          35,319      31,144  
                                --------        --------    --------  
Other income .................     4,213           2,885       2,907  
                                --------        --------    --------  
                                            
Other expenses ...............    21,148          24,132      18,198  
                                --------        --------    --------  
Income from continuing                      
 operations before                          
 income taxes, extraordinary                
 item and cumulative effect of              
 change in accounting                       
 principles ..................    21,938          14,072      15,853  
Income tax expense ...........     8,611           5,432       5,958  
                                --------        --------    --------  
Net income ...................  $ 13,327        $  8,640    $  9,895  
                                ========        ========    ========  
</TABLE>                       


                                       39

<PAGE>

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

         Management's  discussion and analysis of the Bank's financial condition
and results of operations is intended to provide assistance and understanding of
the Bank's  financial  condition and results of operations.  The  information in
this  section  should be read  with the  financial  statements  and the notes to
financial statements beginning at page F-1. The Bank's results of operations are
primarily  dependent  on its net  interest  income.  Net  interest  income  is a
function of the balances of loans and investments outstanding in any one period,
the  yields  earned  on such  loans and  investments  and the  interest  paid on
deposits  and borrowed  funds that were  outstanding  in that same  period.  The
Bank's noninterest income consists primarily of fees and service charges,  gains
on sale of mortgage loans, and, depending on the period,  real estate operations
which have either generated income or losses. The results of operations are also
significantly  impacted by the amount of provisions  for loan losses  which,  in
turn, are dependent  upon,  among other things,  the size and makeup of the loan
portfolio,  loan  quality and loan  trends.  The  noninterest  expenses  consist
primarily  of  employee   compensation   and   benefits,   occupancy   expenses,
professional  fees and  federal  deposit  insurance  premiums.  Its  results  of
operations  are  affected  by  general  economic  and  competitive   conditions,
including  changes in prevailing  interest  rates and the policies of regulatory
agencies.

         All per share amounts within  Management's  Discussion and Analysis are
presented  on  a  diluted  basis  in  accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 128  "Earnings  Per Share" which was  implemented  by
Bancorp on December 31, 1997.

Business Strategy

         The  Bank's  current  business  strategy  has  been  to  operate  as  a
well-capitalized/well-reserved  independent  community savings bank dedicated to
providing quality service at competitive prices.  Generally, the Bank has sought
to implement  this strategy by  maintaining a substantial  part of its assets in
loans  secured by  one-to-four  family  residential  real estate  located in the
Bank's  market  area,   consumer  loans,  home  equity  loans,   mortgage-backed
securities and U.S. Government and agency obligations.

         While management intends to continue emphasizing these objectives,  the
additional capital will allow the Bank to modify the existing operating strategy
in order to achieve  greater growth and  profitability.  Specifically,  the Bank
intends to: (i) increase its  percentage  of commercial  and consumer  loans and
commercial deposits accounts,  among other products;  and (ii) expand the Bank's
market  area  through  its branch  network  and  through its lending and deposit
services.  By seeking to broaden the range of its products and services offered,
the Bank believes it will offset the declining margins in the competitive market
for one-to-four-family loans.

         Management  believes that the increased  diversification  of the Bank's
loan  portfolio may expose it to a higher degree of credit risk than is involved
in the Bank's  one-to-four-family  residential  mortgage lending activity.  As a
consequence of management's  lending strategy,  the Bank may, in future periods,
depending upon conditions at that time,  increase the level of its provision for
loan losses as well as its provision for losses on real estate owned ("REO").

                                       40
<PAGE>

Highlights of the Bank's business strategy are as follows:

         Community-Oriented   Institution.  The  Bank  is  the  largest  savings
institution  headquartered  in Fort  Pierce,  Florida.  The Bank is committed to
meeting the financial  needs of the  community in which it operates.  Management
believes  that the Bank is large  enough to provide a full range of personal and
business financial services,  and yet is small enough to be able to provide such
services in a personalized and efficient  manner.  Management  believes that the
Bank can be more effective in servicing its customers than many of its non-local
competitors  because of the Bank's  ability to quickly and  effectively  provide
senior management responses to customer needs and inquiries. The Bank intends to
maintain its  community  orientation  by  continuing  to  emphasize  traditional
deposit and loan products, primarily single-family residential mortgages.

         Emphasis on Residential Mortgage Lending. Since its inception, the Bank
has been a  portfolio  lender.  The Bank has  emphasized  and will  continue  to
emphasize  the  origination  of  mortgage  loans  secured by  one-to-four-family
residential  properties  located in its  six-county  market area.  Such mortgage
loans generally have less credit risk than loans  collateralized  by multifamily
or commercial real estate. At September 30, 1997, one-to-four-family residential
mortgage loans totaled $629.9  million,  or 71.5% of the Bank's loan  portfolio.
Generally,  the yield on mortgage  loans  originated by the Bank is greater than
that of mortgage  securities  purchased by the Bank. In the future,  the Bank is
considering  expanding its lending  programs to include  commercial  loans in an
effort to satisfy a perceived  need within its market area and increase its loan
portfolio.   To  accomplish  this,  the  Bank  may  hire  additional   personnel
experienced  in commercial  lending and may focus  marketing  efforts on smaller
businesses operating in the Bank's market areas.


Asset and Liability Management

         The Bank attempts to manage its assets and liabilities in a manner that
stabilizes  net interest  income and net  economic  value under a broad range of
interest  rate  environments.  This is  accomplished  by matching  maturity  and
repricing  periods on loans and investments to maturity and repricing periods on
deposits and borrowings.

         In addition, the Bank monitors interest rate risk exposure with the use
of computerized  simulation models. The computerized  models simulate the effect
of rising and falling interest rate levels on the Bank's net interest income and
net economic value. The Bank's Board of Directors reviews the simulation results
on a  quarterly  basis to ensure that  simulated  fluctuations  of net  interest
income and net economic  value remain  within limits  established  in the Bank's
interest rate risk management policy.

         The Board of Directors has  established  an  asset/liability  committee
which consists of the Bank's  president and senior bank officers.  The committee
meets on a monthly  basis to review  loan and  deposit  pricing  and  production
volumes,  interest rate risk  analysis,  liquidity and  borrowing  needs,  and a
variety of other asset and liability management topics.

         The Bank currently utilizes the following strategies to reduce interest
rate risk: (a) the Bank seeks to originate and hold in its portfolio  adjustable
rate loans which have annual  interest  rate  adjustments;  (b) the Bank sells a
portion  of newly  originated  30 year  fixed  rate  mortgage  loans,  currently
$100,000 to $200,000 per month; (c) the Bank seeks to lengthen the maturities of
deposits  when deemed cost  effective  through  the  pricing  and  promotion  of
certificates  of deposits;  (d) the Bank seeks to attract low cost  checking and
transaction accounts which tend to be less interest rate sensitive when interest
rates  rise;  and (e) the Bank has  utilized  long term  Federal  Home Loan Bank
("FHLB")  advances to fund the  origination of fixed rate loans.  Harbor Federal
refinanced a portion of its  outstanding  FHLB  advances in the first quarter of
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, thereby incurring a prepayment penalty
of $1.3  million (net of income tax benefit of  $810,000),  in order to lengthen
the maturity of its  liabilities at favorable  rates.  The Bank also maintains a
high level of liquid assets  consisting of  shorter-term  investments  which are
expected to increase in yield as interest rates rise.

                                       41
<PAGE>

Market Rate Analysis

         The Bank measures its interest rate  sensitivity  by using the computer
modeling  techniques  described above.  However,  in order to encourage  savings
associations  such as the Bank to reduce  interest  rate  risk,  in 1993 the OTS
adopted a rule which would  incorporate an interest rate risk ("IRR")  component
into its  risk-based  capital  rules.  The IRR component is a dollar amount that
would be deducted  from  regulatory  capital for the purpose of  calculating  an
institution's  risk-based capital  requirement.  The IRR component of regulatory
capital is measured in terms of sensitivity of net portfolio  value ("NPV") to a
hypothetical  change in interest rates. NPV is the difference  between estimated
future  incoming and  outgoing  cash flows,  discounted  to present  value,  for
assets,  liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. An institution's IRR would
be  measured  as the change to its NPV as a result of a  hypothetical  200 basis
point  instantaneous  change in market  interest  rates.  Under the OTS rule,  a
calculated  change  in  NPV  of  more  than  2% of the  estimated  market  of an
institution's assets would require the institution to deduct from its risk-based
capital  50% of that  excess  change.  In March  1995,  the OTS  announced  that
application of the revised rule was being suspended until further notice.

         The following  table  presents the Bank's NPV as of September 30, 1997,
as calculated by the OTS, based on information provided by the Bank.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              NET PORTFOLIO VALUE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997               NPV AS % OF PV OF ASSETS
                          ------------------------------------------------           ---------------------------
    Change in Rates      $ Amount            $ Change           % Change           NPV Ratio            Change
    ---------------      --------            --------           --------           ---------            ------
                                                       (Dollars in thousands)
      <S>                 <C>                 <C>                  <C>              <C>                 <C>    
       +400 bp            $56,611            $(69,317)             (55)%              5.30%              (549)%
       +300 bp             76,227             (49,701)             (39)               6.96               (383)
       +200 bp             95,375             (30,553)             (24)               8.50               (229)
       +100 bp            112,754             (13,174)             (10)               9.84                (96)
        Static            125,928                  --               --               10.79                 --
       -100 bp            132,181               6,254                5               11.19                 40
       -200 bp            133,156               7,229                6               11.19                 40
       -300 bp            134,692               8,764                7               11.23                 44
       -400 bp            140,006              14,078               11               11.55                 76
</TABLE>          

         Based on the  information  above,  the Bank believes that it would have
been in compliance with the risk-based capital  requirements of the regulations,
as of September 30, 1997, if the  regulation had been effective on that date. As
such,  a 200 basis point  increase in  interest  rates would  result in a 24% or
$30.6  million  decline in NPV, and the Bank would have been  required to deduct
$3.61  million  from  total  capital  for  purposes  of  calculating  the Bank's
risk-based  capital.  After such  deduction,  the Bank would continue to be well
capitalized. As of September 30, 1997, without considering the effect of the IRR
component,  the Bank had $89.7 million of risk-based capital, which exceeded the
OTS minimum requirements by $42.4 million.

         Future  interest  rates or their effects on NPV or net interest  income
are not predictable. Nevertheless, the Bank's management does not expect current
interest  rates to have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  Bank's  NPV or net
interest  income in the near  future.  Computations  of  prospective  effects of
hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions,  including
relative levels of market interest rates, prepayments, and deposit run-offs, and
should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.  Certain shortcomings
are inherent in such  computations.  Although certain assets and liabilities may
have similar maturity or periods of repricing, they may react at different times
and in different  degrees to changes in the market interest rates.  The interest
rates on certain  types of assets and  liabilities  may  fluctuate in advance of
changes  in market  interest  rates,  while  rates on other  types of assets and
liabilities  may lag behind changes in market  interest  rates.  Certain assets,
such as  adjustable  rate  mortgages,  generally  have features  which  restrict
changes in interest rates on a short-term basis

                                       42
<PAGE>

and over the life of the  asset.  In the  event of a change in  interest  rates,
prepayments and early withdrawal levels could deviate  significantly  from those
assumed in making  calculations  set forth  above.  Additionally,  an  increased
credit risk may result as the ability of many  borrowers  to service  their debt
may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

Analysis of Net Interest Income

         The Bank's  earnings  have  historically  depended  primarily  upon the
Bank's net interest  income,  which is the difference  between  interest  income
earned on its loans and  investments  ("interest-earning  assets")  and interest
paid on its deposits and any borrowed  funds  ("interest-bearing  liabilities").
Net interest income is affected by (i) the difference  between rates of interest
earned  on  the   Bank's   interest-earning   assets   and  rates  paid  on  its
interest-bearing  liabilities  ("interest  rate  spread")  and (ii) the relative
amounts of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

         The  following  tables  present an analysis  of certain  aspects of the
Bank's operations during the recent periods indicated.  The first table presents
the average  balances of, and the interest and dividends earned or paid on, each
major class of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing  liabilities. No tax
equivalent  adjustments  were made.  Average  balances  represent  daily average
balances.  The yields and costs include fees which are considered adjustments to
yields.

                                       43

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Years Ended September 30,                       
                                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------    
                             At September 30, 1997                1997                                  1996                
                             ---------------------    ------------------------------        ----------------------------    
                                                                 Interest                              Interest             
                                            Yield/    Average        and      Yield/        Average       and      Yield/   
                             Balance         Rate     Balance    Dividends    Rate          Balance    Dividends    Rate    
                             -------         ----     -------    ---------    ----          -------    ---------    ----    
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)                        
Assets:                                                                                   
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>       
 Interest-earning                                                                         
  assets(1):                                                                              
   Federal funds sold ..     $    250         5.51%   $  7,404   $   399      5.39%        $ 12,679   $    669     5.28%    
   Interest-bearing                                                                       
    deposits ...........       15,736         5.59      26,674     1,614      5.44           24,062      1,320     5.49     
   Investment securities       60,148         5.97      63,743     3,866      6.07           39,825      2,462     6.18     
   Mortgage-backed                                                                        
    securities .........      176,854         6.57     153,347    10,088      6.58          152,895     10,155     6.64     
   Mortgage loans ......      745,635         8.38     718,319    60,000      8.35          620,166     52,237     8.42     
   Other loans .........      100,467         9.50      94,634     8,847      9.35           79,875      7,514     9.41     
                             --------        -----    --------   -------      ----         --------   --------     ----     
Total interest-earning                                                           
 assets ................    1,099,090         7.98   1,067,121    84,814      7.94          929,502     74,357     8.00     
                                             -----               -------      ----                    --------     ----     
Total noninterest-                                                          
 earning assets ........       31,934                   29,575                               24,481                         
                             --------                  -------                             --------                         
Total assets ...........   $1,131,024               $1,096,696                             $953,983                         
                             ========                 ========                             ========                         
                                                                                          
Liabilities and                                                                           
 Stockholders' Equity:                                                                    
 Interest-bearing                                                                         
  liabilities                                                                             
  Deposits:                                                                               
   Transaction accounts      $136,195         1.26%   $138,721    $1,896      1.37%        $118,398   $  1,724     1.46%    
   Passbook savings ....       76,540         1.69      77,707     1,356      1.75           79,617      1,506     1.89     
   Official checks .....        9,081           --       5,612       ---       .00            6,400         --      .00     
   Certificate savings .      689,760         5.48     663,143    35,892      5.41          570,518     31,210     5.47     
                              -------         ----    --------   -------      ----         --------   --------     ----     
   Total deposits ......      911,576         4.49     885,183    39,144      4.42          774,933     34,440     4.44     
 FHLB advances .........      100,000         6.02      99,342     5,962      6.00           75,096      4,593     6.12     
 Other borrowings ......          475         8.80         561        53      9.48              857         81     9.47     
                              -------         ----    --------    ------      ----         --------   --------    -----     
Total interest-                                                                            
 bearing liabilities ...    1,012,051         4.65     985,086    45,159      4.58          850,886     39,114     4.60     
                                                                  ------                              --------              
Noninterest-bearing                                                                  
 liabilities ...........       22,171                   21,045                                20,863                        
                             --------                  -------                              --------                        
Total liabilities ......    1,034,222                1,006,131                               871,749                        
Stockholders'equity ....       96,802                   90,565                                82,234                        
                             --------                 --------                              --------                        
Total liabilities and                                                                
 stockholders' equity ..   $1,131,024               $1,096,696                              $953,983                        
                           ==========                 ========                              ========                        
Net interest income/                                                                 
 interest rate spread(2)                      3.33                $39,655     3.36                    $ 35,243     3.40     
                                              ----                =======     ----                    ========     ----     
Net interest-earning                                                                      
 assets/net interest                                                                      
 margin (3) ............     $ 87,039         3.73    $ 82,035                3.72          $ 78,616               3.79     
                             ========         ----    ========                ----          ========               ----     
Interest-earning assets                                                                   
 to interest-bearing                                                                      
 liabilities ...........                    108.60                          108.33                               109.24     
                                            ------                          ------                               ------     
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                              Years Ended September 30,     
                          -------------------------------   
                                       1995                 
                          -------------------------------   
                                      Interest              
                           Average       and       Yield/   
                           Balance    Dividends    Rate     
                           -------    ---------    ----     
                              (Dollars in thousands)        
Assets:                                                     
 Interest-earning                                           
  assets(1):                                                
   Federal funds sold ..  $  8,224    $   457     5.56%     
   Interest-bearing                                         
    deposits ...........    24,899      1,412     5.67      
   Investment securities    43,375      2,352     5.42      
   Mortgage-backed                                          
    securities .........   147,482      9,613     6.52      
   Mortgage loans ......   542,127     44,883     8.28      
   Other loans .........    65,308      6,167     9.44      
                          --------   --------     ----      
Total interest-earning                                      
 assets ................   831,415     64,884     7.80      
                                     --------     ----      
Total noninterest-                                          
 earning assets ........    20,174                          
                          --------                          
Total assets ...........  $851,589                          
                          ========                          
                                                            
Liabilities and                                             
 Stockholders' Equity:                                      
 Interest-bearing                                           
  liabilities                                               
  Deposits:                                                 
   Transaction accounts    $108,558   $ 1,782      1.64%    
   Passbook savings ....     85,615     1,718      2.01     
   Official checks .....      4,250        --       .00     
   Certificate savings .    500,941    26,127      5.22     
                           --------   -------      ----     
   Total deposits ......    699,364     29,627     4.24     
 FHLB advances .........     58,178      3,546     6.10     
 Other borrowings ......      1,160        107     9.27     
                           --------   --------     ----     
Total interest-                                             
 bearing liabilities ...    758,702     33,280     4.39     
                                      --------              
Noninterest-bearing                                         
 liabilities ...........      20,167                        
                            --------                        
Total liabilities ......     778,869                        
Stockholders'equity ....      72,720                        
                            --------                        
Total liabilities and                                       
 stockholders' equity ..    $851,589                        
                            ========                        
Net interest income/                                        
 interest rate spread(2)              $ 31,604     3.42     
                                      ========     ----     
Net interest-earning                                        
 assets/net interest                                        
 margin (3) ............   $ 72,713                3.80     
                           ========                ----     
Interest-earning assets                                     
 to interest-bearing                                        
 liabilities ...........                         109.58     
                                                 ------     
- ---------
(1)  Average balances and rates include nonaccruing loans.

(2)  Interest rate spread  represents the difference  between  weighted  average
     interest rates earned on  interest-earning  assets and the weighted average
     interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)  Net yield on average interest-earning assets represents net interest income
     as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

                                       44
<PAGE>



Rate/Volume Analysis

         The   relationship   between   the  volume  and  rates  of  the  Bank's
interest-earning  assets and interest-bearing  liabilities influences the Bank's
net interest income.  The following table reflects the sensitivity of the Bank's
interest  income and  interest  expense  to changes in volume and in  prevailing
interest   rates.   For   each   category   of   interest-earning   assets   and
interest-bearing  liabilities,  information is provided on effects  attributable
to: (1)  changes  in volume  (changes  in volume  multiplied  by old rate);  (2)
changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume);  and (3) net change.
Changes  attributable  to the  combined  impact  of volume  and rates  have been
allocated proportionately to changes due to volume and changes due to rate.

                                       45
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            Years Ended September 30,
                                                                Increase (Decrease)
                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1997 vs. 1996                     1996 vs. 1995                    1995 vs. 1994
                         -----------------------------    -----------------------------    -----------------------------
                          Volume      Rate       Net      Volume        Rate       Net       Volume      Rate        Net
                          ------      ----       ---      ------        ----       ---       ------      ----        ---
<S>                      <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
Interest Income:
  Interest-bearing
    deposits .........       $21       $3        $24      $   194    $   (74)   $   120    $  (684)   $   910    $   226
  Investment .........     1,424      (20)     1,404         (202)       312        110       (166)       412        246
securities                                             
  Mortgage-backed                                      
    securities .......        29      (96)       (67)         360        182        542      2,893        473      3,366
  Mortgage loans .....     8,259     (496)     7,763        6,681        673      7,354      2,524      1,170      3,694
                                                       
Nonmortgage loans:                                     
  Commercial loans ...        85      (72)        13           46       (110)       (64)        14        177        191
  Consumer loans .....     1,289       31      1,320        1,305        106      1,411      1,021         56      1,077
                           -----       --      -----      -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Total interest income    $11,107    $(650)   $10,457        8,384      1,089      9,473      5,602      3,198      8,800
                         =======   ======    =======      =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
                                                          
Interest expense                                          
Deposits:                                                 
  Transaction accounts      $278    $(106)      $172     $   144    $  (202)   $   (58)   $  (165)   $    24    $  (141)
  Passbook savings ...       (33)    (117)      (150)       (114)       (98)      (212)      (225)         8       (217)
  Certificate savings      5,013     (331)     4,682       3,806      1,277      5,083      2,903      3,657      6,560
                           -----     -----     -----     -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Total deposits .....     5,258     (554)     4,704       3,836        977      4,813      2,513      3,689      6,202
  FHLB advances ......     1,455      (86)     1,369       1,035         12      1,047        803        (31)       772
  Other borrowings ...       (26)      (2)       (28)        (26)        --        (26)        11         19         30
                            ----      ---       ----     -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Total interest expense     6,687     (642)     6,045       4,845        989      5,834      3,327      3,677      7,004
                           -----    -----    -------     -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                      
Net interest income ..   $ 4,420    $  (8)   $ 4,412     $ 3,539    $   100    $ 3,639    $ 2,275    $  (479)   $ 1,796
                         =======  =======    =======     =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>

                                       46
<PAGE>

Comparison of Operating  Results For Year Ended September 30, 1997 to Year Ended
September 30, 1996

         General.  Net income for the year ended  September  30, 1997  increased
16.1% to $13.3  million or $2.66 per share,  compared to $11.5  million or $2.32
per share for the same period last year,  excluding  the  one-time  SAIF special
assessment.  Including the one-time SAIF special assessment,  net income for the
year ended September 30, 1996 was $8.6 million, or $1.75 per share. Net interest
income  increased  12.5% to $39.6 million for the year ended  September 30, 1997
compared to $35.2 million for the year ended  September 30, 1996.  This increase
was due to an increase in interest income of $10.5 million offset by an increase
in interest expense of $6.0 million.  Other income increased to $4.2 million for
the year ended September 30, 1997 from $2.9 million for the year ended September
30, 1996. Other expenses decreased to $21.1 million for the year ended September
30, 1997 from $24.1 million for the year ended September 30, 1996, due primarily
to the one-time SAIF special assessment of $4.5 million.

         Interest  Income.  Total interest income increased to $84.8 million for
the year  ended  September  30,  1997  from  $74.3  million  for the year  ended
September  30,  1996,  as a result of an  increase  in average  interest-earning
assets that was  partially  offset by a decrease in the average  interest  rate.
Average  interest-earning  assets increased to $1.067 billion for the year ended
September  30, 1997 from $929.5  million for the year ended  September 30, 1996.
The average rate earned on  interest-earning  assets  decreased to 7.94% for the
year ended  September 30, 1997 from 8.00% for the year ended September 30, 1996,
a decrease of 6 basis points. Interest income on loans increased $9.0 million to
$68.8  million for the year ended  September 30, 1997 from $59.8 million for the
year ended  September 30, 1996.  This increase was a result of a $112.9  million
increase in the average balance to $812.9 million in 1997 from $700.0 million in
1996 that was  partially  offset by a decrease of 7 basis  points in the average
yield of 8.47% in 1997 from 8.54% in 1996.  The increase in the average  balance
of total  loans was mainly due to  significant  growth in the  residential  loan
portfolio resulting from high levels of loan originations and the acquisition of
$62 million of loans from  Treasure  Coast  Bank,  FSB in June,  1996.  Interest
income on investment  securities  increased $1.4 million to $3.9 million for the
year ended September 30, 1997 from $2.5 million for the year ended September 30,
1996. This increase was primarily the result of a $23.9 million  increase in the
average  balance  to $63.7  million  in 1997 from  $39.8  million  in 1996.  The
increase in the average  balance of investment  securities  was primarily due to
the purchase of FHLB Notes with the proceeds from new FHLB advances.

         Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased to $45.1 million for
the year  ended  September  30,  1997  from  $39.1  million  for the year  ended
September  30,  1996,  as a result of an  increase  in average  interest-bearing
liabilities.  Average  interest-bearing  liabilities increased to $985.1 million
for the year ended  September  30, 1997 from  $850.9  million for the year ended
September  30,  1996.  The  average  interest  rate  paid  on   interest-bearing
liabilities  was 4.58% for the year ended  September  30, 1997 compared to 4.60%
for the year ended  September 30, 1996, a decrease of 2 basis  points.  Interest
expense on deposits  increased  $4.7 million to $39.1 million for the year ended
September  30, 1997 from $34.4  million for the year ended  September  30, 1996.
This  increase  was a result of an  increase  of $110.3  million in the  average
balance to $885.2 million in 1997 from $774.9  million in 1996 partially  offset
by a decrease of 2 basis  points in the average rate to 4.42% in 1997 from 4.44%
in  1996.  The  increase  in  the  average  balance  of  deposits  reflects  the
acquisition  of $70 million of deposits from Treasure  Coast Bank,  FSB in June,
1996.  Interest  expense on FHLB advances and other  borrowings  increased  $1.3
million to $6.0 million for the year ended  September 30, 1997 from $4.7 million
for the year  ended  September  30,  1996.  This  increase  was the result of an
increase of $24.0  million in the average  balance to $99.9 million in 1997 from
$75.9 million in 1996 primarily due to proceeds from  short-term  advances taken
in order to fund the purchase of FHLB Notes.

         Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses is charged to
operations to bring the total  allowance  for loan losses to a level  considered
appropriate  by management  based on historical  experience,  volume and type of
lending conducted by the Bank, industry standards,  the level and status of past
due and  nonperforming  loans,  the general  economic  conditions  in the Bank's
lending  area and other  factors  affecting  collectibility  of the Bank's  loan
portfolio.  The  provision  for loan  losses  was  $782,000  for the year  ended
September 30, 1997

                                       47
<PAGE>

compared  to a credit of $76,000  for the year ended  September  30,  1996.  The
provision for loan losses for the year ended  September 30, 1997 was principally
comprised of a charge of  approximately  $600,000  related to an increase in the
level of classified  commercial real estate loans due primarily to the change in
classifications  of two  loans,  a charge of  approximately  $100,000  due to an
increase in  classified  consumer  loans due  primarily to the  downgrade of one
loan, and a charge of approximately $80,000 for unidentified but probable losses
due to growth in the consumer  loan  portfolio.  The credit to the provision for
loan losses for the year ended September 30, 1996 was principally comprised of a
credit to the  provision of $1.7  million  related to a decrease in the level of
classified  assets  compared to the prior year and  $100,000 of  additional  net
recoveries on loans during the year.  This was  partially  offset by a charge to
the provision of approximately $1.6 million due to loan growth, primarily in the
commercial  real estate and  consumer  portfolios  (which  excludes  loan growth
associated  with  the  acquisition  of  Treasure  Coast)  and due to the  Bank's
perception and the inherent risk of loans originated for these portfolios during
the  period,  as well as the  additional  inherent  risk of loans  acquired as a
result of the acquisition of Treasure Coast;  and $200,000 related to downgrades
of certain  performing  commercial  real estate  loans.  The  allowance for loan
losses was $11.7  million  and $11.0  million at  September  30,  1997 and 1996,
respectively.  The allowance was 1.4% of total loans at both  September 30, 1997
and  1996,  respectively,  and was  117.5%  and  129.4% of  classified  loans at
September  30,  1997 and 1996,  respectively.  The Bank had net  charge-offs  of
$107,000 for the year ended  September  30, 1997  compared to net  recoveries of
$124,000 for the year ended September 30, 1996. While the Bank's management uses
available  information  to recognize  losses on loans,  future  additions to the
allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.

         Other  Income.  Other income  increased by $1.3 million to $4.2 million
for the year  ended  September  30,  1997 from $2.9  million  for the year ended
September  30, 1996,  due primarily to an increase of $511,000 in other fees and
service charges,  an increase of $446,000 in income from real estate operations,
an increase of $228,000 in gain on sale of mortgage loans and a $239,000 gain on
sale of an undeveloped parcel of land. Other fees and service charges, primarily
from fees and service  charges on deposit  products,  were $3.3 million and $2.8
million for the years ended  September  30,  1997 and 1996,  respectively.  This
increase was  primarily  due to the growth in deposits.  Income from real estate
operations  was $145,000 for the year ended  September  30, 1997,  compared to a
loss of  $301,000  in the  comparable  period in 1996.  Gain on sale of mortgage
loans was $188,000 for the year ended September 30, 1997,  compared to a loss of
$40,000 in the comparable period in 1996.

         Other Expense. Other expense decreased by $3.0 million to $21.1 million
for the year ended  September  30,  1997 from $24.1  million  for the year ended
September 30, 1996. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $5.5 million
in SAIF deposit insurance premiums due to the special assessment of $4.5 million
for the year ended September 30, 1996 and a decrease of $1.0 million in premiums
for the year ended  September 30, 1997 due to lower  assessment  rates resulting
from  recapitalization  of the SAIF.  Other changes included an increase of $1.2
million in  compensation  and  benefits,  an increase  of $414,000 in  occupancy
expense  and  an  increase  of  $804,000  in  other  expense.  The  increase  in
compensation  and benefits is due  primarily  to  additional  staff  required to
support the growth in loans and  deposits  and an increase  in  amortization  of
stock  benefit  plans.  The  increase in other  expense is  primarily  due to an
increase of $164,000 in  amortization  of  goodwill,  an increase of $207,000 in
advertising and promotion,  an increase of $96,000 in data  processing  services
and  $52,000  in filing  fees  primarily  relating  to the  organization  of the
Mid-tier Holding Company.

                                       48
<PAGE>

         Income Tax  Expense.  Income tax expense  increased  by $3.2 million to
$8.6  million for the year ended  September  30, 1997 from $5.4  million for the
year ended  September 30, 1996, due primarily to an increase in pre-tax  income,
net of the $1.7  million  tax effect of the  one-time  SAIF  special  assessment
included in 1996.  The effective tax rates were 39% for the both the years ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996.

         Subsequent  Event.  In the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  1998,  the Bank
received  final  payment  on a  commercial  real  estate  loan.  This  loan  was
performing,  but had  been  seriously  delinquent  in the  past  and  had  other
characteristics which caused management to be uncertain about the ability of the
borrower to comply with the loan repayment  terms.  Additional  interest  income
will be recognized  in the amount of $874,000 in the quarter ended  December 31,
1997 due to deferred  cash  interest  payments  and unearned  purchase  discount
remaining at time of payoff.

Year Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 1995

         General.  Net income for the year ended  September 30, 1996,  excluding
the one-time SAIF special  assessment of $2.8 million after tax, increased 16.0%
to $11.5 million or $2.32 per share, compared to $9.9 million or $2.03 per share
for the year ended  September  30, 1995.  Including  the  one-time  SAIF special
assessment,  net income for the year ended  September 30, 1996 was $8.6 million,
or $1.75 per share. Net interest income increased 11.5% to $35.2 million for the
year ended  September  30,  1996  compared  to $31.6  million for the year ended
September 30, 1995.  This increase was due to an increase in interest  income of
$9.4 million and an increase in interest  expense of $5.8 million.  Other income
remained constant at $2.9 million for both of the years ended September 30, 1996
and 1995. Other expenses increased to $24.1 million for the year ended September
30, 1996 from $18.2 million for the year ended September 30, 1995, due primarily
to the one-time SAIF special assessment of $4.5 million.

         Interest  Income.  Total interest income increased to $74.3 million for
the year  ended  September  30,  1996  from  $64.9  million  for the year  ended
September  30,  1995,  as a result of an  increase  in average  interest-earning
assets and an increase in the average  interest rate.  Average  interest-earning
assets  increased to $929.5  million for the year ended  September 30, 1996 from
$831.4 million for the year ended September 30, 1995. The average rate earned on
interest-earning assets increased to 8.00% for the year ended September 30, 1996
from  7.81% for the year ended  September  30,  1995,  an  increase  of 19 basis
points. Interest income on loans increased $8.7 million to $59.8 million for the
year ended  September 30, 1996 from $51.1  million for the year ended  September
30, 1995. This increase was a result of a $92.6 million  increase in the average
balance to $700.0 million in 1996 from $607.4 million in 1995 and an increase of
14 basis  points in the average  yield to 8.54% in 1996 from 8.40% in 1995.  The
increase  in the average  balance of total  loans was mainly due to  significant
growth in the  residential  loan  portfolio  resulting  from high levels of loan
originations  and the  acquisition  of $62 million of loans from Treasure  Coast
Bank, F.S.B. Interest income on mortgage-backed securities increased $541,000 to
$10.2  million for the year ended  September  30, 1996 from $9.6 million for the
year ended  September 30, 1995. This increase was primarily the result of a $5.4
million  increase in the average  balance to $152.9  million in 1996 from $147.5
million  in  1995.  The  increase  in the  average  balance  of  mortgage-backed
securities  was  primarily  due to the  purchase of  adjustable  and  seven-year
balloon  securities  with the proceeds from maturing  investment  securities and
proceeds from new FHLB advances.

         Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased to $39.1 million for
the year  ended  September  30,  1996  from  $33.3  million  for the year  ended
September  30,  1995,  as a result of an  increase  in average  interest-bearing
liabilities and an increase in the average rate paid.  Average  interest-bearing
liabilities  increased to $850.9  million for the year ended  September 30, 1996
from $758.7 million for the year ended September 30, 1995. The average  interest
rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.60% for the year ended September
30, 1996 compared to 4.39% for the year ended September 30, 1995, an increase of
21 basis points.  Interest  expense on deposits  increased $4.8 million to $34.4
million for the year ended  September  30, 1996 from $29.6  million for the year
ended  September  30, 1995.  This  increase was a result of an increase of $75.6
million in the average  balance to $775.0 million in 1996 from $699.4 million in
1995 and an  increase of 20 basis  points in the  average  rate to 4.44% in 1996
from 4.24% in 1995. The increase in the average balance of deposits reflects the
acquisition of

                                       49
<PAGE>

$70 million of deposits from Treasure  Coast Bank,  F.S.B.  Interest  expense on
FHLB advances and other  borrowings  increased  $1.0 million to $4.7 million for
the year ended September 30, 1996 from $3.7 million for the year ended September
30, 1995.  This  increase was the result of an increase of $16.6  million in the
average balance to $75.9 million in 1996 from $59.3 million in 1995.

         Provision  for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses was a credit
of $76,000  for the year ended  September  30,  1996  compared  to an expense of
$460,000 for the year ended  September 30, 1995, a difference  of $536,000.  The
credit to the  provision  for loan losses for the year ended  September 30, 1996
was  principally  comprised of a credit to the provision of $1.7 million related
to a decrease in the level of classified  assets  compared to the prior year and
$100,000  of  additional  net  recoveries  on loans  during  the year.  This was
partially offset by a charge to the provision of approximately  $1.6 million due
to growth primarily in the commercial real estate and consumer portfolios (which
excludes loan growth  associated with the acquisition of Treasure Coast) and due
to the Bank's  perception  and the inherent risk of loans  originated  for these
portfolios during the period,  as well as the additional  inherent risk of loans
acquired as a result of the acquisition of Treasure Coast,  and $200,000 related
to downgrades  of certain  commercial  real estate loans within pass grades.  In
1995 the provision of $460,000 resulted  primarily from a $1.1 million charge to
the provision due to growth in the commercial real estate portfolio and increase
allowance  levels  provided  on more  recent  originations,  and a charge to the
provision of $30,000 due to an increase in the level of classified assets.  Such
charges  were  reduced  by a  reduction  of  approximately  $500,000  related to
upgrades of loans within pass grades and $190,000 in net loan recoveries  during
the  period.  The  allowance  for loan  losses was at $11.0  million  and $ 10.1
million for September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  An allowance of $885,000
was acquired as part of the Treasure  Coast  acquisition  in 1996. The allowance
was 1.4% and 1.6% of total loans at September  30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
and was 129.4% and 57.6% of  classified  loans at  September  30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

         Other Income.  Other income remained  constant at $2.9 million for both
the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.  Losses from real estate operations
were $301,000 for the year ended  September 30, 1996 compared to $40,000 for the
year ended  September 30, 1995.  Other income,  primarily  from fees and service
charges on deposit  products  was $2.8  million  and $2.6  million for the years
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Other Expense. Other expense increased by $5.9 million to $24.1 million
for the year ended  September  30,  1996 from $18.2  million  for the year ended
September  30,  1995.  The  increase  was  primarily  due to an expense  for the
one-time SAIF special assessment of $4.5 million. Payment of the SAIF assessment
on deposits  formerly  held by Treasure  Coast was  charged to  goodwill.  Other
changes  included an increase of $642,000  in  compensation  and  benefits,  due
primarily to wage increases, and a $341,000 increase in occupancy expense.

         Income Tax  Expense.  Income tax expense  decreased by $526,000 to $5.4
million for the year ended  September  30,  1996 from $5.9  million for the year
ended  September  30, 1995,  due primarily to the $1.7 million tax effect of the
one-time SAIF special  assessment.  The effective tax rates were 39% and 38% for
the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                       50
<PAGE>

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         The Bank is  required to maintain  minimum  levels of liquid  assets as
defined by OTS regulations. This requirement, which varies from time to time, is
currently 4% of deposits and short-term  borrowings.  The Bank's liquidity ratio
was  14.92%,   18.79%,  and  16.06%  at  September  30,  1997,  1996  and  1995,
respectively.  It is the Bank's  policy to maintain  average  monthly  levels of
liquid  assets at least 50 basis  points  higher than the  minimum  requirement,
primarily as a part of its asset and liability management strategy of increasing
its levels of rate-sensitive interest-earning assets. At September 30, 1997, the
Bank had  federal  funds,  cash  and  investments  which  exceeded  the  minimum
regulatory  requirement.  In  addition,  the Bank  had  certain  investments  in
mortgage-backed  securities  aggregating  $55.0  million  which also  qualify as
liquid assets under OTS  regulations.  The Bank intends to hold such investments
in mortgage-backed  securities until maturity.  However, such investments may be
used as collateral for borrowing as such need arises. The Bank's total liquidity
position as of September 30, 1997 was $141.2 million, which was $93.9 million in
excess of the  minimum  requirement  of $47.3  million.  The  Bank's  short term
liquidity  position  at that  date  amounted  to $56.2  million  which was $46.8
million in excess of the minimum requirement of $9.4 million.

         The Bank's  primary  sources of funds are  deposits,  amortization  and
prepayment  of loans and  mortgage-backed  securities,  maturities of investment
securities  and other  short-term  investments,  and earnings and funds provided
from operations.  The Bank will consider increasing its borrowings from the FHLB
of Atlanta from time to time to hedge  against  future  increases in  prevailing
deposit account  interest rates. In addition,  the Bank held unpledged fixed and
adjustable rate mortgage-backed  securities totaling $174.4 million at September
30, 1997 that could be used as collateral  under  repurchase  transactions  with
securities  dealers.  Repurchase  transactions  serve as secured  borrowings and
provide a source of short-term liquidity for the Bank.

         Net cash provided by the Bank's operating  activities (i.e., cash items
affecting net income) was $15.7 million, $10.2 million and $11.1 million for the
years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Net cash used by the Bank's investing  activities (i.e., cash receipts,
primarily from its investment securities,  mortgage-backed  securities, and loan
portfolios)  was $93.8  million,  $86.2  million and $85.9 million for the years
ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Net cash  provided  by the  Bank's  financing  activities  (i.e.,  cash
receipts  primarily  from net  increases in deposits and net FHLB  advances) was
62.4 million,  $86.0 million and $66.1 million for the years ended September 30,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in 1996 was principally due to a
$13.5  million  increase  in  deposits  and a  $10.0  million  increase  in FHLB
advances.

         The Bank's liquid assets  consist  primarily of investment  securities,
federal  funds and cash.  At  September  30, 1997 the Bank had liquid  assets of
$141.2  million,  with loan  commitments of $29.1 million  (consisting of unused
lines  of  credit  to   homebuilders   and   residential   and  commercial  loan
commitments),  letters of credit of $501,000  and  unfunded  loans in process of
$32.1 million (the latter consisting primarily of residential loans in process).

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

         The consolidated  financial statements and accompanying notes presented
elsewhere in this  Prospectus  have been prepared in accordance  with  Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") which generally requires the measurement
of  financial  position and  operating  results in terms of  historical  dollars
without  considering the change in the relative  purchasing  power of money over
time and due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased
cost of the Bank's operations. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact
on the Bank's  performance  than do the effects of general  levels of inflation.
Interest  rates do not  necessarily  move in the same  direction or, to the same
extent, as prices of goods and services.

                                       51
<PAGE>

Impact of New Accounting Standards

         Earnings Per Share.  In February,  1997,  the FASB issued  Statement of
Financial  Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("Statement 128").
Statement 128 is effective for financial  statements  issued for periods  ending
after December 15, 1997.  Statement 128 establishes  standards for computing and
presenting earnings per share ("EPS"), simplifies the standards previously found
in APB No. 15, "Earnings Per Share",  and makes them comparable to international
EPS standards.  The Bank will begin  disclosing EPS in accordance with Statement
128 beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 1997.

         Reporting   Comprehensive  Income.  In  June,  1997,  the  FASB  issued
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income" ("Statement 130"). Statement 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997.  Statement 130 establishes  standards for reporting and
display  of  comprehensive  income and its  components  in a full set of general
purpose financial  statements.  Statement 130 requires that all items recognized
under accounting  standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in
a financial statement in equal prominence with other financial statements.  Such
statement  will be  presented  by the  Bank  beginning  with the  quarter  ended
December 31, 1998.

         Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. In
June, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures   about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise   and  Related   Information"
("Statement  131").  Statement  131 is  effective  for periods  beginning  after
December 15, 1997.  Statement 131 establishes  standards for the way that public
business  enterprises report information about operating segments,  based on how
the enterprise  defines such segments.  The Bank is required to report operating
segment information, to the extent such segments are defined, beginning with the
year ended September 30, 1999.

Year 2000 Considerations

         The Bank's Year 2000 Action Plan (the "Action  Plan") was  presented to
the Board of Directors on June 25, 1997. The Action Plan was developed using the
guidelines outlined in the Federal Financial Institutions  Examination Council's
"The Effect of Year 2000 on Computer Systems" and is scheduled for completion by
December 31, 1998,  with only final  testing  remaining.  The Systems  Corporate
Steering  Committee is responsible  for the Year 2000 Action Plan with the Board
of  Directors  receiving  Year 2000  Executive  Progress  Reports on a quarterly
basis.

         An OTS off-site  examination  was  conducted on September 30, 1997, and
based upon the  examination  results,  the Bank was  progressing  satisfactorily
towards completing the Action Plan requirements.

         Based upon current  findings,  the Bank  budgeted  $712,600 for Capital
Equipment in Fiscal 1998 relating to Year 2000 software and hardware issues.


                   BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES, INC.

         Harbor  Florida  Bancshares,   Inc.  ("Bancshares")  was  organized  in
November of 1997 at the  direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the
purpose  of  holding  all of the  capital  stock  of the  Bank  and in  order to
facilitate  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  It has applied to the OTS for
authority  to acquire  100% of the Bank Common  Stock and become the savings and
loan holding company for the Bank. That application has been approved by the OTS
subject  to  certain  conditions.   Upon  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization,  Bancshares will own only one savings association, the Bank, and
will initially be a unitary  savings and loan holding  company.  It will have no
significant  assets  other  than all of the  outstanding  common  shares of Bank
Common  Stock,  a loan to the  ESOP and the  portion  of net  proceeds  from the
Offerings retained by the Company. It will have no significant liabilities.  See
"USE OF PROCEEDS." Initially,  the management of Bancshares and the Bank will be
substantially similar and Bancshares will neither own nor lease any property but
will instead use the  premises,  equipment  and  furniture  of the Bank.  At the
present time, Bancshares does not intend to employ

                                       52
<PAGE>


any persons  other than  executive  officers who are  executive  officers of the
Bank.  Bancshares  will utilize the support staff of the Bank from time to time.
Additional  employees  will be hired as  appropriate  to the  extent  Bancshares
expands or changes its business in the future.

         Management  believes  that the stock  holding  company  structure  will
provide  Bancshares  with  additional  flexibility  to  diversify  its  business
activities   through   existing  and  newly  formed   subsidiaries   or  through
acquisitions  of or mergers  with other  financial  institutions  and  financial
services  related  companies.   Although  there  are  no  current  arrangements,
understandings,  or agreements regarding any opportunities or transactions,  the
Company will be in a position after the Conversion and  Reorganization,  subject
to regulatory  limitations and Bancshares' financial position, to take advantage
of any such  acquisition  or  expansion  opportunities  that arise.  The initial
activities  of  Bancshares  are  anticipated  to be funded by the proceeds to be
retained by it and the earnings thereon as well as dividends from the Bank.

         Bancshares'  executive  office is located at home office of the Bank at
100 S. Second Street,  Fort Pierce,  FL 34950 and its telephone  number is (561)
461-2414.

                    BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.

         Harbor Florida Bancorp,  Inc. was formed in December,  1996 to serve as
the Mid-Tier  Holding  Company for the Bank. The primary purpose for creation of
Bancorp  was  to  facilitate   capital  management  through  stock  repurchases.
Bancorp's  stock is currently owned by the Mutual Holding Company and the Public
Stockholders.  It has not engaged in any business other than holding 100% of the
Bank's common stock and has not, to date, repurchased any stock. Pursuant to the
Conversion and Reorganization, Bancorp will adopt a Federal stock charter and be
merged into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity.

           When the Bank announced the creation of Bancorp, on October 23, 1996,
management  intended to use the mid-tier holding company structure to facilitate
stock repurchases from time to time as part of its capital management  strategy.
On June 25, 1997,  when the Mid-Tier  Reorganization  was  consummated,  Bancorp
announced its intention to purchase  Public  Bancorp  Shares in the open market.
Subsequent to June 25, 1997, management  considered  repurchasing Public Bancorp
Shares,  and in this regard considered,  among other things,  market conditions,
capital needs,  securities regulation restrictions on the timing of repurchases,
and alternative capital  expenditures,  and ultimately decided not to repurchase
Public Bancorp Shares.

Reorganization Into Harbor Florida Bancshares

         Bancorp is a Delaware  corporation  which began its  activities on June
25, 1997.  Bancorp was created  under a new  regulation  promulgated  by the OTS
which allowed  mutual holding  companies  such as the Mutual Holding  Company to
create mid-tier holding companies.  The primary purpose for creation of mid-tier
holding  companies was as a capital  management  tool to enable the  repurchases
stock without any adverse tax consequences, while maintaining the mutual holding
company  structure.  The mid-tier  Reorganization  was  structured as a tax free
reorganization  as follows:  (i) Bancorp,  a Delaware  corporation,  chartered a
wholly owned interim  federal stock savings bank known as interim;  (ii) interim
was then merged with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity. As
a result of the merger, the Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp and
the  shareholders  of the Bank  became  shareholders  of  Bancorp  with the same
aggregate percentage ownership interest as their aggregate ownership of the Bank
prior to the reorganization.

         OTS   Conditions  of  Approval.   The  OTS  approval  of  the  mid-tier
Reorganization  that  created  Bancorp,  and  resulted in the Bank  becoming the
wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Bancorp,  was  accompanied  by certain  conditions
imposed on Bancorp  while it continued to operate in a structure  with  majority
ownership  of its  shares  held by the  Mutual  Holding  Company.  The  material
conditions of the OTS approval were as follows:

                                       53
<PAGE>

          (i)  No  later  than one year  from  the date of  consummation  of the
               acquisition,  or June 25, 1998,  Bancorp was required to obtain a
               federal  charter from the OTS and to submit bylaws  acceptable to
               the Director, Corporate Activities, of the OTS.

          (ii) Bancorp was made subject to the  provisions of the Mutual Holding
               Company Regulations  pertaining to minority stock issuances as if
               it were a former mutual savings association that reorganized into
               a mutual holding company structure;

         (iii) Bancorp  was made  subject to the same  restrictions  (including,
               but not limited to, the activities  limitations)  that the Mutual
               Holding Company is subject to under Section  10(o)(5) of the HOLA
               and 12 C.F.R.  ss. ss.  575.11 and  575.12,  as well as any other
               pertinent  statutory  and  regulatory  provisions,  e.g. that its
               permissible  activities  would be  those  authorized  for  mutual
               holding companies;

          (iv) Bancorp is  required  to hold all of the  issued and  outstanding
               common stock of the Bank, and the Bank was not permitted to issue
               any other class of equity security;

          (v)  Bancorp and the Bank must obtain  approval  from the OTS prior to
               issuing any securities;

          (vi) Bancorp  was  subject to the  provisions  of 12 C.F.R.  Part 552,
               pertaining  to  amendments  of charters  and bylaws as if Bancorp
               were a federal stock savings association;

         (vii) Bancorp was required to cease any  activity,  reverse any action,
               or amend any  provisions  of its charter or bylaws,  to which the
               OTS objects as being contrary to the MHC Regulations; and

        (viii) If the  Mutual  Holding  Company   undertakes  a  mutual-to-stock
               conversion,   OTS  policies  regarding   purchases  of  stock  in
               conversions would apply to any Public Stockholders.

         The OTS conditions are based upon the continued operation of Bancorp as
part of a  structure  in which a mutual  holding  company is  present.  Upon the
completion  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  Harbor  Financial MHC will
convert to an interim federal stock savings  association and merge into the Bank
with the Bank being the surviving  entity.  Further,  Bancorp will also cease to
exist and Bancshares will become the holding company for the Bank.  Accordingly,
the  restrictions  on the  activities  which  Bancorp  may  engage,  (i.e.,  the
requirement to eliminate Bancorp's Delaware charter and adopt a federal charter,
and the prohibition against issuance of any other class of security),  would not
be applicable.

         The office of Bancorp is located at the main  office of the Bank at 100
S.  Second  Street,  Fort  Pierce,  FL 34950 and its  telephone  number is (561)
461-2414.

                                       54
<PAGE>


                     BUSINESS OF HARBOR FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

General

         Harbor  Federal  Savings  Bank  ("Bank") is engaged in the  business of
attracting deposits primarily from the communities it serves and using these and
other funds to originate  primarily  one-to-four family first mortgage loans for
retention in its portfolio.  The Bank's principal  sources of funds are deposits
and principal and interest  payments on loans. Its principal source of income is
interest received from loans and investment and mortgage-backed  securities, and
its  principal  expenses  are  interest  paid on deposit  accounts  and employee
compensation and benefits.

         On June 1, 1996, the Bank acquired all of the outstanding  common stock
of Treasure  Coast Bank,  F.S.B.  ("Treasure  Coast"),  a Florida  based federal
savings association, for approximately $6.8 million in cash. The acquisition was
accounted  for  using  the  purchase  method.   Treasure  Coast  had  assets  of
approximately $75 million.  The Treasure Coast acquisition added 1 branch to the
Bank's branch network.  The results of operations of Treasure Coast from June 1,
1996 to September 30, 1996 are included in the consolidated financial statements
of the Bank.

Market Area

         The  Bank  serves  communities  in  six  growing  and  diverse  Florida
counties.  Its headquarters is in Fort Pierce,  Florida,  located on the eastern
coast  of  Florida  between  Stuart  and  Daytona  Beach.  In  addition  to  its
headquarters,  it has fourteen  branch  offices in St.  Lucie,  Indian River and
Martin  counties,   located  on  Florida's   "Treasure   Coast."  This  area  is
characterized  by both a large  retirement  and vacation home  population  and a
significant  agricultural  economy,  primarily  citrus crops.  The Bank has four
branch offices located in Brevard County, which encompasses the "Space Coast" of
the state.  Brevard  County has a greater  industrial  base fueled  primarily by
companies  related  to NASA  and the John F.  Kennedy  Space  Center.  Prominent
electronics concerns such as Harris Corporation are also major employers in this
area. The Bank also has one branch office in Okeechobee  County, an agricultural
area,  and three branch  offices in Volusia  County,  where  tourism and a large
retirement population predominate.

Lending Activities

         General.  The Bank's principal lending activity has historically  been,
and  will  continue  to be  for  the  foreseeable  future,  the  origination  of
one-to-four  family  residential  mortgage  loans.  Although the Bank sells some
conforming  loans,  primarily  to  the  Federal  National  Mortgage  Association
("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  ("FHLMC"),  and has, on
rare  occasions,  purchased  whole  loans and loan  participations,  it  focuses
primarily  on the  origination  of loans and retains them in its  portfolio  for
investment.  See " -- One to Four Family Permanent  Residential Mortgage Loans."
The Bank also originates a substantial  amount of one-to-four family residential
construction and consumer loans, and, on a limited basis,  consumer installment,
commercial real estate and commercial  business loans.  Substantially all of the
Bank's mortgage loans are secured by property in its market area and most of its
nonmortgage loans are made to borrowers in its market area.

         The Bank offers both  fixed-rate and adjustable  rate mortgage  ("ARM")
loans.  The Bank has sought to increase its  origination  of ARM loans to reduce
its interest rate risk.  However,  the Bank's ability to originate ARM loans has
been limited by borrower  preference  for  fixed-rate  loans in many  instances,
particularly in low interest rate environments.

         Loan  and  Mortgage  - Backed  Securities  Portfolio  Composition.  The
following  table sets forth a summary of the  composition of the Bank's loan and
mortgage-backed securities portfolio by type of loan.

                                       55

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   September 30,
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997                  1996                     1995                    1994
                              -------------------   ---------------------     -------------------    ----------------------
                                                               (Dollars in Thousands)
                                      Percent of               Percent of              Percent of               Percent of
                               Amount    Total      Amount        Total       Amount      Total      Amount       Total
                               ------    ----       ------        -----       ------      -----      ------       -----
Mortgage Loans
<S>                          <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>  
 Construction 1 - 4 Family   $ 47,800    5.42%     $ 43,994      5.46%      $ 40,634      6.07%     $ 38,473      6.28%
 Permanent 1 - 4 Family ..    629,906   71.46       584,297     72.49        487,480     72.84       456,880      74.60
 Multifamily .............     15,326    1.74        17,804      2.21         14,916      2.23        15,384       2.51
 Nonresidential ..........     54,983    6.24        41,970      5.21         31,980      4.78        25,378       4.14
 Land ....................     33,182    3.76        29,034      3.60         20,460      3.06        16,995       2.77
                               ------    ----        ------      ----         ------      ----        ------       ----
 Total Mortgage Loans ....    781,197   88.62       717,099     88.97        595,470     88.98       553,110      90.30
                              -------   -----       -------     -----        -------     -----       -------      -----

Other Loans
 Commercial Nonmortgage ..     11,287    1.28         8,199      1.02          8,468      1.27         8,135       1.33
 Home Improvement ........     20,614    2.34        20,679      2.56         19,198      2.87        14,823       2.42
 Manufactured Housing ....     16,399    1.86        15,784      1.96         15,045      2.25        13,461       2.19
 Other Consumer (1) ......     51,988    5.90        44,265      5.49         31,049      4.63        23,017       3.76
                               ------    ----        ------      ----         ------      ----        ------       ----
 Total Other Loans .......    100,288   11.38        88,927     11.03         73,760     11.02        59,436       9.70
                               ------   -----        ------     -----         ------     -----        ------       ----
 Total Loans Receivable ..    881,485  100.00%      806,026    100.00%       669,230    100.00%      612,546     100.00%
                              -------  ======       -------    ======        -------    ======       -------     ======
Less:
 Loans in process ........     32,078                26,788                   24,321                  22,652
 Deferred loan fees and              
  discounts ..............      3,446                 3,203                    3,519                   4,054
 Allowance for loan                  
  losses .................     11,691                11,016                   10,083                   9,434
                               ------                ------                   ------                   -----
   Subtotal ..............     47,215                41,007                   37,923                  36,140
                               ------                ------                   ------                  ------

 Total Loans Receivable,
  Net ....................    834,270               765,019                  631,307                 576,406
                              =======               =======                  =======                 =======
 Loans Held for Sale .....        141                 4,870                    1,009                      25
                                -----                 -----                    -----                      --
 Mortgage-Backed
  Securities .............    176,854               153,293                  164,759                 120,099
                              -------               -------                  -------                 -------
 Total ................... $1,011,265              $923,182                 $797,075                $696,530
                           ==========              ========                 ========                ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                                 September 30,
                              ------------------
                                    1993           
                              ------------------   
                            (Dollars in Thousands)
                                      Percent of   
                              Amount     Total     
                              ------     -----     
Mortgage Loans
 Construction 1 - 4 Family   $ 44,250     7.57%    
 Permanent 1 - 4 Family ..    428,524    73.36     
 Multifamily .............     16,386     2.80     
 Nonresidential ..........     23,615     4.04     
 Land ....................     19,077     3.27     
                               ------     ----     
 Total Mortgage Loans ....    531,852    91.04     
                              -------    -----     

Other Loans
 Commercial Nonmortgage ..     10,356     1.77     
 Home Improvement ........     11,574     1.98     
 Manufactured Housing ....     13,064     2.24     
 Other Consumer (1) ......     17,322     2.97     
                --             ------     ----     
 Total Other Loans .......     52,316     8.96     
                               ------     ----     
 Total Loans Receivable ..    584,168   100.00%    
                              -------   ======     
Less:
 Loans in process ........     25,548              
 Deferred loan fees and
  discounts ..............      4,616              
 Allowance for loan
  losses .................      7,305              
                                -----              
   Subtotal ..............     37,469              
                               ------              

 Total Loans Receivable,
  Net ....................    546,699              
                              =======
 Loans Held for Sale .....        679              
                                  ---              
 Mortgage-Backed
  Securities .............     89,535              
                               ------              
 Total ...................   $636,913              
                             ========              

- ---------

(1)  Includes home equity and other second mortgage loans.

                                       56
<PAGE>

                                 ---------------

         The  following  table shows the  maturity or period to repricing of the
Bank's loan and  mortgage-backed  securities  portfolios  at September 30, 1997.
Loans that have  adjustable  rates are shown as being due in the period in which
the  interest  rates are next  subject  to change.  The table  does not  include
prepayments  or scheduled  principal  amortization.  Prepayments  and  scheduled
principal amortization on loans totaled $163.0 million, $143.5 million and $99.4
million for the fiscal years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Loans having no
stated maturity and no schedule of repayments  (including delinquent loans), and
demand loans are reported as due within one year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    LOAN PORTFOLIO MATURITY
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Ten
                                                    One         Three        Five        through
                                    Within        through      through      through      twenty       Beyond
                                   one year     three years   five years   ten years      years     twenty years    Total
                                   --------     -----------   ----------   ---------      -----     ------------    -----
                                                                        (In thousands)
Mortgage loans:
<S>                               <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
  Permanent 1 - 4 family .......   $213,414       $25,164      $56,921      $55,450     $139,195      $159,380    $649,524 
  Other ........................     43,501        11,404       14,034       12,074       15,631           677      97,321 
Other Loans:                                                                                                               
  Consumer .....................     24,464        12,576       22,609       24,811        4,358            41      88,859 
  Commercial ...................      6,146           511        1,290        1,194           27         2,096      11,264 
Nonperforming Loans (1) ........      2,580             0            0            0            0             0       2,580 
Mortgage-Backed Securities .....     58,708        25,030       20,704       54,497       17,202           713     176,854 
                                     ------        ------       ------       ------       ------           ---    -------- 
Sub-Total ......................   $348,813       $74,685     $115,558     $148,026     $176,413      $162,907  $1,026,402 
                                    =======        ======      =======      =======      =======       =======             
Deferred Loan Origination                                                                                                  
  Costs and Commitment Fees.....                                                                                    (3,446)
Allowance for Loan Losses ......                                                                                   (11,691)
                                                                                                                  -------- 
Total(2)(3) ....................                                                                                $1,011,265 
                                                                                                                  ======== 
</TABLE>

- ---------

(1)  All  nonperforming  loans are reported as due within one year regardless of
     the actual maturity term.

(2)  Amounts  reported  do  not  include   principal   repayment  or  prepayment
     assumptions.

(3)  Amounts include loans held for sale of $141,000 as of September 30, 1997.

                                   ----------

                                       57
<PAGE>

         The  following   table  sets  forth  the  amount  of   fixed-rate   and
adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 1997 due after September 30, 1998.


                                                         Adjustable
                                           Fixed Rate       Rate         Total
                                           ----------       ----         -----
                                                      (In thousands)
Mortgage loans:
  Permanent 1 - 4 family .............      $325,483     $110,627      $436,110 
  Other ..............................        37,348       16,472        53,820 
Other loans:                                                                    
  Consumer ...........................        64,395            0        64,395 
  Commercial .........................         5,118            0         5,118 
                                            --------    ---------      -------- 
Total loans ..........................      $432,344     $127,099      $559,443 
Mortgage-backed securities ...........       118,146            0       118,146 
                                             -------    ---------       ------- 
Total ................................      $550,490     $127,099      $677,589 
                                             =======      =======       ======= 

                                  -------------

         One-to-Four  Family  Permanent  Residential  Mortgage Loans. The Bank's
primary  lending  activities  focus on the  origination  of  one-to-four  family
residential  mortgage loans.  The Bank generally does not originate  one-to-four
family  residential loans on properties outside of its market area. At September
30, 1997, 71.46% of the Bank's total loan portfolio, or $629.9 million consisted
of one-to-four  family loans and over 95% of such loans were  collateralized  by
properties located in the Bank's market area.

         The Bank's fixed rate loans  generally are originated and  underwritten
according to standards that permit sales in the secondary market.  However,  the
decision to sell depends on a number of factors including the yield and the term
of the loan, market conditions,  and the Bank's current portfolio position.  The
Bank sells a portion of newly  originated  30 year  fixed rate  mortgage  loans,
currently  $100,000 to $200,000  per month.  In  addition,  the Bank sells loans
under the single  family  Mortgage  Revenue Bond  Programs  through local County
Housing Finance Authorities. The servicing on these loans is also released.

         The Bank currently offers one-to-four family residential mortgage loans
with fixed,  adjustable or a combination  of  fixed/adjustable  interest  rates.
Originations  of fixed rate mortgage  loans versus ARM loans are monitored on an
ongoing  basis and are affected  significantly  by the level of market  interest
rates,  customer  preference,  the Bank's  interest rate gap position,  and loan
products offered by the Bank's competitors.  In a low interest rate environment,
borrowers  typically  prefer  fixed  rate  loans  to  ARM  loans,  and  even  if
management's  strategy is to emphasize ARM loans,  market conditions may be such
that there is greater demand for fixed rate mortgage loans.

         The Bank  generates  residential  mortgage loan activity  through local
advertising, its existing customers and referrals from local real estate brokers
and home builders. All loans are originated by Bank loan officers,  none of whom
have underwriting authority. Independent loan brokers are not used.

         Residential  loans are authorized and approved under central  authority
by experienced  underwriters.  Underwriters have individual authority to approve
loans up to the maximum amount of $250,000. Residential mortgage loans in excess
of this amount are  approved  by  Management  individually  up to $500,000 or by

                                       58
<PAGE>

committee if above $500,000. The Bank also has direct endorsement authority from
the Federal  Housing  Authority  ("FHA") to allow for  internal  approval of FHA
insured loans. FHA loans are approved under central  authority by an underwriter
with a "Direct  Endorsement"  designation from the FHA. The Bank's  underwriting
standards are intended to ensure that borrowers are sufficiently  credit worthy,
and all of the Bank's  lending is subject to written  underwriting  policies and
guidelines approved by the Bank's Board of Directors. Detailed loan applications
are designed to determine the  borrower's  ability to repay the loan and certain
information  solicited  in these  applications  is  verified  through the use of
credit reports,  financial statements and other confirmations.  The Bank obtains
an  appraisal  of  substantially  all  of  the  proposed  security  property  in
connection with  residential  mortgage loans.  Additionally,  title insurance is
required for all mortgage loans, except home equity loans of $50,000 or less.

         The types, amounts, terms of and security for conventional loans (those
not insured or guaranteed by the U.S.  government or agencies thereof,  or state
housing agency)  originated by the Bank are significantly  prescribed by federal
regulation.  OTS  regulations  limit  the  amount  which the Bank can lend up to
specified  percentages  of the value of the real property  securing the loan, as
determined  by an appraisal at the time the loan is  originated  (referred to as
"loan-to-value  ratios"). The Bank makes one-to-four family home loans and other
residential real estate loans with  loan-to-value  ratios generally of up to 80%
of the  appraised  value of the  security  property.  In  certain  circumstances
loan-to-value  ratios  exceed 80%, in which case private  mortgage  insurance is
generally required.  A substantial part of the Bank's loan originations are made
to  borrowers  to finance  second  homes for vacation use or for use as a rental
property.  Such loans may be  considered to have a higher credit risk than loans
to finance a primary residence.

         One-to-Four Family Residential Construction Loans. A part of the Bank's
loan originations are to finance the construction of one-to-four family homes in
the Bank's market area. At September 30, 1997 the Bank had $47.8 million in such
loans,  representing  5.42% of total loans.  It is the Bank's policy to disburse
loan proceeds as construction progresses and as inspections warrant.

         A portion of these loans are made directly to the  individual  who will
ultimately  own and occupy the home. Of these,  the vast majority are structured
at  origination  to guarantee the permanent  financing to the Bank as well. As a
result,  although in recent years the origination of these construction loans to
individuals is second in volume only to the origination of traditional  loans to
finance the purchase or refinance of an existing home, the  significance of this
type of lending to the Bank is not evident from the amount of these loans in its
portfolio  at any given time because  these  construction  loans to  individuals
usually "roll" into permanent financing.

         Approximately  one-half of the Bank's one-to-four  family  construction
loans are to builders.  In most  instances  these loans are also  structured  to
guarantee permanent financing by the Bank.

         Consumer  Loans.  The Bank  originates  consumer  loans as an essential
element  in  its  retail-oriented  strategy.   Secured  consumer  loans  include
automobile,  manufactured  housing,  boat and truck loans,  home equity and home
improvement  loans as well as loans secured by the borrower's  deposit  accounts
with the Bank.  The loans for  manufactured  housing  are  generally  originated
within  quality,  retirement  lifestyle  communities  spread  throughout the six
county  market  area  that  feature  amenities  such as full  service  clubhouse
facilities,  swimming pools, and in a number of cases, golf courses. These loans
are subject to the normal underwriting  standards of the Bank. Loans are made on
either a fixed-rate  or  adjustable-rate  basis,  with terms  generally up to 20
years. A limited  amount of unsecured  consumer  loans are also  originated.  At
September 30, 1997 consumer-oriented loans accounted for $89.0, or 10.10% of the
Bank's total loan portfolio.

         Non-Residential  and Land Mortgage  Loans.  In the late 1980's the Bank
curtailed its lending in  non-residential  mortgages with the exception of loans
to finance the sale of the Bank's real estate acquired through  foreclosure.  In
recent years, the Bank re-entered this market and made a total of $18.3 million,
$12.9 million and $10.7 million of non-residential  mortgage loans in the fiscal
years ended  September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  At September 30,
1997, nonresidential loans constituted 6.24% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.
Origination  of these  loans  plays a  subordinate  role to the  origination  of
residential mortgage and consumer-related

                                       59
<PAGE>

loans.  Non-residential  mortgage  loans are  offered on  properties  within the
Bank's primary market area using both fixed or adjustable rate programs.

         Loans secured by  non-residential  real estate  generally  carry larger
balances  and  involve  a  greater  degree  of  risk  than  one-to-four   family
residential  mortgage loans. This increased risk is a result of several factors,
including  the  concentration  of  principal  in a  limited  number of loans and
borrowers,  the  effects  of general  economic  conditions  on  income-producing
properties,  and the increased  difficulty of evaluating  and  monitoring  these
loans.  Furthermore,  the repayment of loans secured by non-residential property
is typically dependent upon the successful  operation of the related real estate
project. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower's ability to
repay  the  loan  may  be  impaired.  See  " --  Delinquent,  Nonperforming  and
Classified Assets."

         The Bank also  originates  developed  building lot loans ("lot  loans")
secured by individual  improved lots for future  residential  construction.  Lot
loans are offered  with either a fixed or  adjustable  interest  rate and with a
maximum term of up to 15 years.  At September 30, 1997 these loans accounted for
$14.6 million, or 1.66% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.

         Other Loans. The balance of the Bank's lending consists of multi-family
mortgage and commercial  non-mortgage  loans.  At September 30, 1997 these loans
represented $15.3 million, or 1.74% and $11.3 million,  or 1.28%,  respectively,
of the Bank's total loan portfolio.  The multi-family mortgage loans are secured
primarily  by apartment  complexes.  These loans are subject to the same lending
limits as apply to the Bank's  commercial  real estate  lending.  The commercial
non-mortgage  loans  represent  primarily  equipment and other business loans to
professionals such as physicians and attorneys. These loans are an integral part
of the Bank's  strategy of seeking  synergy between its various deposit and loan
products and as a service to existing customers.

Origination and Sale of Loans

         From time to time the Bank has sold  mortgage  loans,  primarily to the
Federal  National  Mortgage  Association  and the  Federal  Home  Loan  Mortgage
Corporation.  Historically,  the Bank has not purchased  significant  amounts of
loans, particularly in light of its past policy to control asset growth.

         The  Bank  sells a  portion  of newly  originated  30 year  fixed  rate
mortgage loans, in an amount  currently  between $100,000 to $200,000 per month.
In addition,  the Bank sells loans under the single family Mortgage Revenue Bond
Programs  through local County  Housing  Finance  Authorities.  The servicing on
these  loans is also  released.  The  purpose of selling a portion of fixed rate
loans from current  production  is to reduce  interest rate risk by limiting the
growth of longer term fixed rate loans in the portfolio and to generate  service
fee income over time.

                                       60

<PAGE>

         The following  table shows total loan  origination  activity  including
mortgage-backed securities, during the periods indicated.


                                        
                                                  Years Ended September 30,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                          1997          1996         1995   
                                          ----          ----         ----   
                                                        (In thousands)
Mortgage loans (gross):
  At beginning of period(1) ........    $722,435     $ 596,478    $ 553,135 
  Mortgage loans originated:
    Construction 1-4 Family ........      63,237        59,000       51,998 
    Permanent 1-4 Family ...........      84,853        85,853       51,334 
    Multi-family ...................       2,526         2,935          158 
    Nonresidential .................      18,302        12,941       10,700 
    Land ...........................      12,264        13,384       11,812 
                                       ---------     ---------    --------- 

  Total mortgage loans originated(2)     181,182       174,113      126,002 
  Mortgage loans acquired (3) ......           0        60,482           -- 
  Mortgage loans sold (4) ..........      (8,583)       (4,653)      (9,037)
  Principal repayments .............    (111,255)     (101,359)     (72,310)
  Mortgage loans transferred to                  
   real estate owned ...............      (2,438)       (2,626)      (1,312)
                                       ---------     ---------    --------- 
  At end of period .................    $781,341     $ 722,435    $ 596,478 
                                       =========     =========    ========= 

Other loans (gross):
  At beginning of period ...........     $88,927     $  73,760    $  59,436 
  Other loans originated ...........      63,406        52,702       40,838 
  Loans acquired ...................           0         4,468           -- 
  Principal repayments .............     (52,045)      (42,003)     (26,514)
                                        --------     ---------    --------- 
  At end of period .................   $ 100,288     $  88,927    $  73,760 
                                       =========     =========    ========= 

Mortgage-backed securities (gross):
  At beginning of period ...........   $ 153,293     $ 164,759    $ 120,099 
  Mortgage-backed securities
   purchased .......................      61,769        29,265       65,609 
  Principal repayments .............     (38,208)      (40,731)     (20,949)
                                       ---------     ---------    --------- 
  At end of period .................   $ 176,854     $ 153,293    $ 164,759 
                                       =========     =========    ========= 

- ---------
(1)  Includes loans held for sale.
(2)  Loans originated represent loans closed, however all loans may not be fully
     disbursed at time of closing.
(3)  Represents  loans acquired in connection  with the  acquisition of Treasure
     Coast Bank, F.S.B. in 1996.
(4)  Includes $3 million commercial land participation loan sold in 1995.

                              ---------------------

Mortgage-backed Securities

         A  substantial  part of the Bank's  business  involves  investments  in
mortgage-backed  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by an  agency of the  United
States government. Historically, the Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio
has consisted  primarily of  pass-through  mortgage  participation  certificates
issued  by  FHLMC  and  FNMA.  These  pass-through   certificates   represent  a
participation interest in a pool of single-family  mortgages,  the principal and
interest payments on which are passed from the loans'  originators,  through the
FHLMC and FNMA that pools and packages the participation interests into the form
of securities,  to investors such as the Bank. The FHLMC and FNMA guarantees the
payment of principal and interest.  The underlying pool of mortgages can consist
of either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans. At September 30, 1997, the Bank's
portfolio of  mortgage-backed  securities  consisted  entirely of FHLMC and FNMA
participation certificates.  Of the $176.9 million in

                                       61
<PAGE>

mortgage-backed  securities  at that  date,  $49.0  million  or 28%  represented
adjustable-rate  securities  and $127.9  million or 72%  represented  fixed-rate
securities with anticipated maturity dates from 3 months to 29 years.

         Adjustable-rate  mortgage-backed  securities  ("ARM  Securities")  have
periodic  adjustments  in the coupons based on the underlying  mortgages.  These
periodic  coupon  adjustments  are subject to annual and lifetime caps. The caps
serve as a limit to the amount  that the coupon  will  change  during any coupon
reset period.  As interest rates on the mortgages  underlying the ARM Securities
are reset  periodically (one to 12 months),  the yields on these securities will
gradually  adjust to reflect changes in market rates.  Management  believes that
the  adjustable-rate  feature  of ARM  Securities  will  help  to  reduce  sharp
fluctuations  in security  value that  result  from  normal  changes in interest
rates.

         During  periods  of  declining   interest  rates,  the  coupon  on  ARM
Securities  may adjust  downward,  resulting in lower yields and reduced  income
from these securities.  Thus, ARM Securities may have less potential for capital
appreciation as compared to fixed-rate debt securities. During periods of rising
interest  rates,  the coupon on ARM  Securities  may not fully adjust  upward in
conjunction  with  changes  in market  rates due to  annual or  lifetime  coupon
adjustment  caps.  This could result in ARM Securities  that depreciate in value
similar to long-term,  fixed-rate  mortgage securities in a rising interest rate
environment.

         The  Bank's  fixed-rate  mortgage-backed  securities  consist  of  both
long-term  and  balloon  securities.  The  long-term  securities  have  original
maturity terms of ten,  fifteen and thirty years.  The balloon  securities  have
principal and interest  amortization  based on a thirty-year  maturity  schedule
with final principal  balloon payments due in five years or seven years from the
date  of the  security.  Balloon  mortgage-backed  securities  are  held  in the
portfolio as a means of reducing the average life of the fixed-rate portfolio. A
shorter  average  portfolio  life  will  help  reduce  the  interest  rate  risk
associated  with  these  investments.  As  of  September  30,  1997,  long-term,
fixed-rate  mortgage-backed  securities  amounted to $28.4 million and five-year
and seven-year balloon mortgage-backed  securities amounted to $55.0 million and
$44.5 million, respectively.

         During periods of declining interest rates, fixed-rate  mortgage-backed
securities  may  have   accelerated   principal   reductions  due  to  increased
refinancing  activity on the underlying  mortgage loans. The reinvestment of the
accelerated principal reductions at lower prevailing rates could result in lower
overall  portfolio  yields and income.  During periods of rising interest rates,
fixed-rate  mortgage-backed  securities will tend to depreciate in value.  Thus,
total returns on fixed-rate  mortgage-backed  securities are expected to decline
as market interest rates rise.

         If  the  Bank  purchases  mortgage-backed   securities  at  a  premium,
accelerated principal repayments may result in some loss of principal investment
to the extent of the premium paid. Conversely, if mortgage-backed securities are
purchased at a discount,  accelerated principal reductions will increase current
and total returns.

Delinquent, Nonperforming and Classified Assets

         Delinquent  Loans.  All delinquent loan results are reviewed monthly by
the Bank's Board of Directors. The Bank believes it has an effective process and
policy in dealing with delinquent loans.

         Residential   delinquencies   are  handled  by  the  Loan   Collections
Department. This department begins collections efforts on residential loans when
a loan appears on the 15-day  delinquent  list.  Borrowers  are sent a notice to
accelerate  the  debt  when the debt is 45 days  delinquent.  If the  delinquent
account has not been corrected,  foreclosure  proceedings are begun generally at
the 75th day of delinquency. At September 30, 1997, residential loans delinquent
90 days and longer represented .24% of the total residential loan portfolio.

         Commercial  delinquent  accounts are processed by the Problem Asset and
Lending  Departments.  For commercial  accounts  classified as  Substandard,  as
defined below, or worse, the Problem Asset Department has jurisdiction  over the
collection efforts.  As with residential  delinquent loans, any commercial loans
90 days past

                                       62
<PAGE>

due or where the  collection  of the interest or full  principal  is  considered
doubtful are placed on a non-accrual basis.

         If a collection  action is instituted on a consumer or commercial loan,
the Bank, in compliance  with the loan  documents and the law, may repossess and
sell the  collateral  security  for the loan  through  private  sales or through
judicially ordered sales when necessary.  Should the sale result in a deficiency
owing to the Bank,  the  borrowers  generally  are pursued  where such action is
deemed appropriate,  including recourse based on personal loan guarantees by the
borrower's principals.

         The following  table shows the Bank's loans  delinquent 90 days or more
at the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       September 30,
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997                     1996                   1995        
                                             ------------------     ------------------       ------------------  
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                             Number      Amount      Number      Amount      Number     Amount 
                                             ------      ------      ------      ------      ------     ------ 
Mortgage loans:
<S>                                             <C>      <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>     <C>    
  Construction and land ................          2      $  162           2      $   98           2     $   89 
  Permanent 1 - 4 family ...............         28       1,565          23       1,196          36      2,205 
  Other mortgage .......................          3         689           2         423           0         -- 
                                             ------      ------      ------      ------      ------     ------ 
  Total mortgage loans .................         33       2,416          27       1,717          38      2,294 
Other loans ............................         10         164           9         132           7         70 
                                             ------      ------      ------      ------      ------     ------ 
Total loans ............................         43      $2,580          36      $1,849          45     $2,364 
                                             ======      ======      ======      ======      ======     ====== 
Delinquent loans to
 total loans ...........................                    .31%                    .24%                   .37%
</TABLE>

         As of September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, $0, $323,000 and $1.2 million,
respectively,  of loans were on  nonaccrual  status  which were not 90 days past
due.

         Nonperforming  Assets. The Bank also places emphasis on improving asset
quality.  The Bank's  nonperforming  assets as a percentage of total assets have
decreased from .71% at September 30, 1995 to .43% at September 30, 1997. 

         Loans 90 days past due are generally placed on non-accrual  status. The
Bank  ceases to  accrue  interest  on a loan  once it is  placed on  non-accrual
status, and interest accrued but unpaid at that time is charged against interest
income.  Additionally,  any loan where it appears evident that the collection of
interest is in doubt is also placed on a non-accrual  status.  Non-accrual loans
of  $500,000  or more  are  reviewed  monthly  by the  Board of  Directors.  The
investment  in  impaired  loans,  other than those  evaluated  collectively  for
impairment,  at September 30, 1997 was approximately $12.2 million.  The average
recorded  investment in impaired loans during the year ended  September 30, 1997
was approximately  $12.1 million.  The total specific  allowance for loan losses
related  to these  loans was  approximately  $117,000  on  September  30,  1997.
Interest income on impaired loans of  approximately  $1.1 million was recognized
in the year ended September 30, 1997.

         If a foreclosure action is instituted on a real estate-secured loan and
the loan is not  reinstated,  paid in full,  refinanced,  or deeded  back to the
Bank,  the property is sold at a  foreclosure  sale at which the Bank may be the
buyer.  Thereafter,  such acquired  property is listed in the Bank's real estate
owned ("REO")  account or that of a subsidiary,  until the property is sold. The
Bank  carries REO at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to  dispose.  The
Bank also finances the sales of REO properties.  Should the foreclosure sale not
produce sufficient  proceeds to pay the loan balance and court costs, the Bank's
attorneys, where appropriate, may pursue the collection of a deficiency judgment
against the responsible borrower.

         It is the Bank's  policy to try to  liquidate  its  holdings  in REO or
subsidiaries on a timely basis while  considering both market conditions and the
cost of carrying REO  properties.  Upon  acquisition the Bank records all REO at
the lower of its fair value (less estimated costs to dispose), or cost. The fair
value is based upon the most recent  appraisal and management's  evaluation.  If
the fair  value of the  asset is less  than the loan  balance

                                       63
<PAGE>

outstanding,  the  difference is charged  against the Bank's loan loss allowance
prior to  transferring  the  asset to REO.  Administration  of REO  property  is
handled by the Problem Asset Department which is responsible for the sale of all
residential and commercial properties. In those instances where the property may
be located  outside  the Bank's  market area or where the  property,  due to its
nature, requires certain expertise (i.e., hotels, apartment complexes),  outside
management firms may be utilized.

         At the dates  indicated,  nonperforming  assets in the Bank's portfolio
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          September 30,
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------
                                    1997        1996         1995         1994         1993
                                    ----        ----         ----         ----         ----
                                                      (Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual mortgage loans:
<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
  Delinquent less than 90 days   $      0     $    323     $  1,153     $  1,175     $    292
  Delinquent 90 days or more .      2,416        1,717        2,294        1,577        1,095
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
     Total ...................      2,416        2,040        3,447        2,752        1,387
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Non-accrual other loans:
  Delinquent less than 90 days          0         --           --           --            181
  Delinquent 90 days or more .        164          132           70          109        1,916
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
     Total ...................        164          132           70          109        2,097
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total non-accrual loans ......      2,580        2,172        3,517        2,861        3,484
Accruing loans 90 days or more
  delinquent .................          0         --           --           --              0
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
  Total nonperforming loans ..      2,580        2,172        3,517        2,861        3,484
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Other nonperforming assets:
  Real estate owned ..........      2,892        4,830        4,643        4,530       10,990
  In-substance foreclosures ..       --           --           --          1,488        6,957
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
  Total ......................      2,892        4,830        4,643        6,018       17,947
    Less allowance for losses        (578)      (1,712)      (1,857)      (2,008)      (4,792)
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
      Total ..................      2,314        3,118        2,786        4,010       13,155
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total nonperforming assets ...   $  4,894     $  5,290     $  6,303     $  6,871     $ 16,639
                                 ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
Nonperforming loans to total
   net loans .................       0.31%        0.28%        0.56%        0.50%        0.64%
Total nonperforming assets to
   total assets ..............       0.43%        0.50%        0.71%        0.85%        2.19%
</TABLE>

         For the year ended September 30, 1997 interest income of $131,000 would
have been recorded on loans  accounted  for on a non-accrual  basis if the loans
had been current throughout the period. No interest income was actually included
in net income regarding non-accrual loans during the same period.

         The Bank's policy  requires  that a general  allowance be maintained on
all REO. The Bank's  periodic  provisions to its allowance for losses on REO are
included in income  (losses)  from real estate  operations  on its  consolidated
statements of earnings.

         Management  evaluates  each REO  property  on no less than a  quarterly
basis to assure that the net carrying  value of the property on the Bank's books
is no greater than the fair market value less estimated  costs to dispose.  When
necessary,  the property is written down or specific  allowances are established
to reduce the carrying value.

                                       64
<PAGE>

                                                      REO Allowances
                                                  Years Ended September 30,
                                            ------------------------------------
                                              1997          1996          1995
                                              ----          ----          ----
                                                       (In thousands)
Beginning balance ....................      $ 1,712       $ 1,857       $ 2,008
Provision for (recovery of)
  losses .............................         (150)          117            35
Allowances for losses on REO
  acquired ...........................         --              21          --
Charge-offs ..........................         (984)         (283)         (186)
                                            -------       -------       -------
Ending balance .......................      $   578       $ 1,712       $ 1,857
                                            =======       =======       =======

         Not included in the preceding  table are gains,  (losses) or recoveries
on the sale of real estate  owned of  $124,000,  ($39,000)  and $180,000 for the
years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Classified  Assets.  Under OTS  regulations,  problem assets of insured
institutions  are classified as either  "substandard,"  "doubtful" or "loss." An
asset is considered  "substandard"  if the current net worth and paying capacity
of the obligor and/or the value of the collateral pledged are no longer adequate
to support the loan.  "Substandard"  assets are  characterized  by the "distinct
possibility"  that the  insured  institution  will  sustain  "some  loss" if the
deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as "doubtful" have all of the
weaknesses   inherent  in  those  classified   "substandard,"   with  the  added
characteristic  that the weaknesses  present make  "collection or liquidation in
full," on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, "highly
questionable  and  improbable."  Assets  classified  "loss" are those considered
"uncollectible"  and of such  little  value  that  their  continuance  as assets
without  the  establishment  of a specific  loss  reserve is not  warranted.  In
addition  to the  classification  of assets  as  "substandard,"  "doubtful,"  or
"loss," the OTS  regulations  also  require  that  assets that do not  currently
expose  the Bank to a  sufficient  degree  of risk to  warrant  one of the three
foregoing  classifications but which do possess credit deficiencies or potential
weaknesses  deserving  management's close attention must be designated  "special
mention."

         When  an  insured  institution  classifies  problem  assets  as  either
substandard or doubtful,  it is required to establish allowances for loan losses
in an amount  considered  appropriate by management.  See "-- Allowance for Loan
Losses."  Additionally,   the  institution  establishes  general  allowances  to
recognize  the inherent  risk  associated  with lending  activities,  but which,
unlike  specific  allowances,  have not been  allocated  to  particular  problem
assets. When an insured  institution  classifies problem assets as "loss," it is
required  either to establish a specific  allowance  for losses equal to 100% of
the  amount  of the  asset  so  classified  or to  charge-off  such  amount.  An
institution's  determination  as to the  classification  of its  assets  and the
amount of its valuation  allowances  is subject to review by the OTS,  which can
order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

         The following table presents the Bank's  classified assets at the dates
indicated.

                                                        September 30,
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            1997           1996            1995
                                            ----           ----            ----
                                                       (In thousands)
Substandard:
 Real Estate Owned ................        $ 2,892        $ 3,897        $ 3,483
 Loans ............................          9,832          8,150         16,119
                                           -------        -------        -------
  Total Substandard ...............         12,724         12,047         19,602
Doubtful ..........................              0            192            930
Loss ..............................            117            174            698
                                           -------        -------        -------
                                           $12,841        $12,413        $21,230
                                           =======        =======        =======

                                       65
<PAGE>

                                   ----------

         At September 30, 1997, in addition to the Bank's classified loans noted
above,  the Bank had five commercial real estate and commercial  business loans,
aggregating   approximately  $3.9  million,  which  were  currently  performing.
However, in the case of these loans, either management had obtained  information
about  possible  credit  problems of the  borrowers  or the  borrowers  had been
seriously  delinquent  in the past and had other  characteristics  which  caused
management to question the ability of such borrowers to comply with present loan
repayment terms.  Subsequent to September 30, 1997, one of these loans which had
a net book value prior to allowance  of $2.6  million was paid off in full.  See
"MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS -- Year Ended  September 30, 1997 Compared With Year Ended  September
30, 1996 -- Subsequent Event."

Allowance for Loan Losses

         Provisions  for loan losses are charged to  operations  as an allowance
for loan losses; recognized loan losses (recoveries) are then charged (credited)
to the allowance. The Bank evaluates the outstanding loan portfolio with respect
to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses at least quarterly.

         Management's  policy is to provide for  estimated  losses on the Bank's
loan portfolio based on management's evaluation of the probable losses (existing
and  inherent).  Such  evaluations  are made for all major  loans on which  full
collectibility of interest and/or principal may not be reasonably  assured.  The
factors  which the Bank  considers  are the  estimated  value of the  underlying
collateral,  the  management of the  borrower,  and current  operating  results,
trends and cash flow. In addition to analyzing individual loans, management also
analyzes on a regular basis its asset  classification and recent loss experience
on other loans to help insure that prudent general  allowances are maintained on
one-to-four  family loans,  automobile  loans and home equity loans.  Management
periodically  evaluates the allowance percentages utilized for general allowance
purposes based upon delinquencies, charge-off, underwriting, and other trends.

         The Bank  segregates the loan portfolio for loan loss purposes into the
following broad  segments:  (i) Commercial Real Estate;  (ii)  Residential  Real
Estate; (iii) Commercial Business; and (iv) Consumer.

         Further,  the Bank provides for a general allowance for losses inherent
in the portfolio by the above categories,  which consists of two components: (i)
general loss percentages based on historical  analyses;  and (ii) a supplemental
portion of the  allowance  for inherent  losses which  probably  exist as of the
evaluation  date even  though  they might not have been  identified  by the more
objective  processes used for the portion of the allowance described above. This
is due to the risk of error and/or  inherent  imprecision  in the process.  This
portion of the allowance is particularly subjective and requires judgments based
on  qualitative  factors  which do not  lend  themselves  to exact  mathematical
calculations, such as trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;  migration trends
in the portfolio; trends in volume, terms and portfolio mix; new credit products
and/or  changes in the geographic  distribution  of those  products;  changes in
lending policies and procedures; loan review reports on the efficacy of the risk
identification process;  changes in the outlook for local, regional and national
economic conditions; concentrations of credit; and peer group comparisons.

         Specific  allowances  are  provided  in the  event  that  the  specific
collateral  analysis on each  classified  loan  indicates that the probable loss
upon liquidation of collateral would be in excess of the general allocation. The
provision  for loan loss is debited or credited in order to state the  allowance
for loan losses to the required level as determined above.

         The following  tables set forth an analysis of the Bank's allowance for
loan losses at the dates indicated.

                                       66
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Years Ended September 30,
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997         1996         1995          1994         1993
                                               ----         ----         ----          ----         ----
<S>                                         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at beginning of period ..........   $ 11,016     $ 10,083     $  9,434     $  7,305     $  6,029
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses .        782          (76)         460        1,552        1,889
Allowance for loan losses acquired(1) ...       --            885         --           --           --
Charge-offs:
  Residential ...........................       (134)        (137)        (109)         (88)        (165)
  Commercial real estate ................       --           --           (145)        --           (987)
  Consumer ..............................       (125)         (48)        (130)         (47)         (29)
  Other .................................         (3)        (180)        --           --            (29)
                                            --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
   Total charge-offs ....................       (262)        (365)        (384)        (135)      (1,210)
                                            --------     --------     --------     --------     --------

Recoveries:
  Residential ...........................         44          149          117           87          103
  Commercial real estate ................         19           86          270          499          134
  Consumer ..............................         62           79          133           38          139
  Other .................................         30          175           53           88          221
                                            --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
    Total recoveries ....................        155          489          573          712          597
                                            --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Balance at end of period ................   $ 11,691     $ 11,016     $ 10,083     $  9,434     $  7,305

Allowance for loan losses
 to total loans .........................       1.40%        1.44%        1.60%        1.64%        1.34%
Allowance for loan losses
 to total non-performing loans ..........     453.11%      507.25%      286.70%      329.74%      209.67%
Allowance for loan losses
 and allowance for REO to
 total non-performing assets ............     224.21%      181.78%      146.32%      128.86%       56.45%
Net charge-offs to average
 loans outstanding during
 the period .............................       0.01%       (0.02)%      (0.03)%      (0.10)%       0.11%
Classified loans to total
 net loans ..............................       1.19%        1.11%        2.78%        2.85%        2.92%
</TABLE>

- ------------

(1)  Represents  allowance  acquired in conjunction with acquisition of Treasure
     Coast Bank, F.S.B. in 1996.

         The following table presents an allocation of the entire  allowance for
loan losses among various loan  classifications and sets forth the percentage of
loans in each category to total loans.  The allowance  shown in the table should
not be  interpreted  as an indication  that  charge-offs  in future periods will
occur in these  amounts or  proportions  or that the analysis  indicates  future
charge-off trends.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      September 30,
                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997                    1996                     1995
                                        ---------------------    --------------------   ---------------------
                                          Amount   Percent(1)     Amount   Percent(1)     Amount   Percent(1)
                                                                (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Allowance at end of    
 period applicable to: 
 Residential .......................    $ 2,141      76.88%     $ 2,077      77.95%     $ 1,625      78.91%
 Commercial Real Estate ............      6,487      11.74        6,088      11.02        6,158      10.07
 Consumer ..........................      2,068      10.10        1,802      10.01        1,280       9.75
 Commercial Business ...............        995       1.28        1,049       1.02        1,020       1.27
                                        -------     ------      -------     ------      -------     ------
     Total .........................    $11,691     100.00%     $11,016     100.00%     $10,083     100.00%
                                        =======     ======      =======     ======      =======     ======
</TABLE>

- --------

(1)  Percent of loans in each category of total loans at the dates indicated.

                                       67

<PAGE>


Investment Activities

         The Bank invests  primarily in overnight  funds,  U.S.  Government  and
agency obligations,  and FHLB of Atlanta capital stock. The Bank does not invest
in   derivatives,   collateralized   mortgage   obligations   or  other  hedging
instruments.

         The table below  summarizes  the carrying  value and  estimated  market
value of the Bank's portfolio of investment securities at the dates indicated.

                                       68
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         September 30,
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1997               1996                1995                1994                1993
                                   -----------------  -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   ------------------
                                   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market
                                    Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value
                                    -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Available for sale:
  U.S. Treasury notes ..........   $17,985   $17,985   $23,347   $23,347   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --
  FHLB notes ...................    29,486    29,486    10,031    10,031        --        --        --        --        --        --
  Other securities .............        82        82       115       115        --        --        --        --        --        --
                                   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total ......................   $47,553   $47,553   $33,493   $33,493   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --   $    --
                                   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
Held to maturity:
  U.S. Treasury notes ..........   $     0   $     0   $    --   $    --   $15,028   $14,970   $35,065   $34,578   $40,036   $40,251
  FHLB notes ...................     5,000     4,993    20,000    20,016    10,000    10,159     5,021     4,936     5,044     5,056
  Other securities .............         0         0        --        --       158       158       200       200       442       442
                                   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total ......................   $ 5,000   $ 4,993   $20,000   $20,016   $25,186   $25,287   $40,286   $39,714   $45,522   $45,749
                                   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
FHLB stock .....................   $ 7,595   $ 7,595   $ 7,158   $ 7,158   $ 6,064   $ 6,064   $ 5,358   $ 5,358   $ 5,225   $ 5,225
</TABLE>


                                       69
<PAGE>


         On November 15, 1995,  the FASB issued the Special  Report  pursuant to
which  the  Bank  was  permitted  to  conduct  a  one-time  reassessment  of the
classifications of all securities held at that time. Any reclassifications  from
the  held-to-maturity  category made in conjunction with that reassessment would
not call into question an  enterprise's  intent to hold other debt securities to
maturity in the future.  The Bank undertook such a reassessment  and,  effective
December 31, 1995, all investment  securities were reclassified as available for
sale. On the effective date of the reclassification,  the securities transferred
had a  carrying  value of $25.8  million  and an  estimated  fair value of $26.0
million,  resulting  in a net  increase  to  stockholders'  equity  for  the net
unrealized appreciation of $126,000,  after deducting applicable income taxes of
$76,000.

         The table  below  presents  the  contractual  maturities  and  weighted
average  yields of investment  securities at September 30, 1997,  excluding FHLB
stock:

                                       70
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         One Year or Less     One to Five Years   More Than Five Years          Total Investment Securities
                       -------------------   -------------------  --------------------  -----------------------------------------
                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                         Average
                                  Weighted              Weighted             Weighted   Remaining                        Weighted
                       Carrying    Average   Carrying   Average   Carrying    Average    Years to   Carrying    Market   Average
                        Value       Yield     Value      Yield      Value      Yield     Maturity     Value     Value     Yield
                        -----       -----     -----      -----      -----      -----     --------     -----     -----     -----
<S>                    <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>    
U.S. Treasury
  notes ..............  $17,985      5.41%    $    0      0.00%      $0        0.00%        .3       $17,985   $17,985      5.41%
FHLB notes ...........    4,497      5.94     29,989      6.00        0        0.00        1.3        34,486    34,479      5.99
Other securities .....        0      0.00         82     10.00        0        0.00        1.6            82        82     10.00
</TABLE>


                                       71

<PAGE>

Sources of Funds

         Deposits.  The Bank  offers a number  of  different  deposit  accounts,
including   regular   savings,   interest-bearing   checking  or  NOW  accounts,
non-interest  checking,  money market  deposit,  term  certificate  accounts and
individual retirement accounts.

         The Bank has  twenty-two  branch offices in addition to its home office
in Fort  Pierce.  The  Bank's  strategy  has been to have  conveniently  located
offices in growth  markets as one of its main methods of attracting  funds.  The
Bank's  deposits  primarily  are obtained  from areas  surrounding  its offices.
Certificate  accounts in excess of $100,000 are not actively  solicited  nor are
brokers used to obtain deposits.

         The Bank had a decline in deposit  balances for several  years prior to
1993. This was a strategy that the Bank used to improve its capital ratios. Much
of the decline was accomplished by the closing of less profitable branches. With
the Bank's improved capital position in the beginning of 1993, it made an effort
to stabilize  deposits and increase account balances.  As part of this strategy,
the Bank has  upgraded  a number of branch  facilities  and  moved  from  leased
storefronts to full service free-standing offices.

         Management   believes  that  demand  and  passbook  accounts  are  less
sensitive  to changes in interest  rates than other types of  accounts,  such as
certificates  of deposit.  As of September 30, 1997,  the Bank had 23.34% of its
deposits in passbook and demand  accounts and 75.67% in  certificates of deposit
and 0.99% in official checks.  Due to the recent low interest rate  environment,
the Bank has  also  been  pricing  its  certificates  of  deposit  to  encourage
lengthening of maturities.  When management determines the levels of its deposit
rates,  consideration is given to local  competition,  U.S. Treasury  securities
offerings, and anticipated funding requirements.


         The following  table sets forth the  distribution of the Bank's deposit
accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted  average interest rates on each
category  of deposits  presented.  Management  does not believe  that the use of
period-end  balances instead of average monthly  balances  produces any material
difference in the information presented:

                                       72
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       September 30,
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1997                             1996                           1995
                                ----------------------------    ------------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                    Weighted                          Weighted                        Weighted
                                                     Average                           Average                         Average
                                                     Nominal                           Nominal                         Nominal
                                 Amount     Percent    Rate      Amount     Percent     Rate      Amount    Percent     Rate
                                 ------     -------    ----      ------     -------     ----      ------    -------    ------
                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
Demand accounts:
<S>                            <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>     <C>
 Non-interest bearing demand   $ 40,749       4.47%     N/A     $ 33,613     3.95%       N/A     $ 21,001      2.91%    N/A
 NOW accounts ..............     52,045       5.71     1.32%      54,806     6.43       1.51%      44,814      6.22    1.57%
 Money market accounts .....     43,401       4.76     2.51       42,561     5.00       2.58       36,863      5.11    2.37
                                 ------       ----     ----       ------     ----       ----       ------      ----    ----
Subtotal ...................   $136,195      14.94     1.30     $130,980    15.38%      1.46%    $102,678     14.24%   1.53%
                                                    
Savings accounts:                                   
 Passbook ..................   $ 76,540       8.40%    1.69%    $ 77,305     9.07%      1.78%    $ 80,720     11.20%   1.97%
Certificates of deposit ....    689,760      75.67     5.47      636,907    74.77       5.37      531,601     73.73    5.60
Official checks ............      9,081        .99      N/A        6,661      .78        N/A        5,982       .83     N/A
                                  -----        ---     ----        -----      ---       ----        -----       ---    ----
Total deposits .............   $911,576     100.00%    4.47%    $851,853   100.00%      4.41%    $720,981    100.00%   4.57%
                               ========     ======     ====     ========   ======       ====     ========    ======    ==== 
</TABLE>


                                       73
<PAGE>


         The  following  table  presents,  by  various  categories,  information
concerning  the amounts and  maturities of the Bank's time deposits on the dates
indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      September 30,
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                          1997         1996            1995
                                         -----         ----            ----
                                                     (In thousands)
<S>                                    <C>          <C>             <C>
0.00 - 3.00%...................        $   545      $     307       $     199
3.01 - 4.00%...................             --              1           4,360
4.01 - 5.00%...................         88,472        155,121         100,834
5.01 - 6.00%...................        553,986        378,999         234,126
6.01 - 7.00%...................         46,333        101,780         182,299
7.01 - 8.00%...................            424            603           9,174
8.01 - 9.00%...................             --              3              61
Over 9.01%.....................             --             --             548
Premiums on deposits
 acquired......................             --             93              --
                                       -------       --------        --------
Total Certificate Accounts.....       $689,760       $636,907        $531,601
                                       =======       ========        ========
</TABLE>


         At September 30, 1997, the Bank had  certificates of deposit in amounts
of $100,000 or more maturing as follows:

                                          Amount
Maturity Period                       (In thousands)

3 Months or Less                         $16,131
Over 3 to 6 Months                        11,687
Over 6 to 12 Months                       14,744
Over 12 Months                            19,444
                                          ------
Total                                    $62,006
                                          ======


                                       74

<PAGE>

         The following  table contains  information  regarding  deposit  account
activity for the periods shown.

                                                Years Ended September 30,
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                           1997          1996            1995
                                           ----          ----            ----
                                                 (Dollars in thousands)
Net increase
(decrease) before
  interest credited ...............      $ 25,563       $ 30,644       $ 21,118
Interest credited .................        34,160         30,035         26,033
Deposits acquired .................            --         70,193             --
                                         --------       --------       --------

Deposit account
  increase (decrease) .............      $ 59,723       $130,872       $ 47,151
                                         ========       ========       ========
Weighted average cost
  of deposits during
  the period ......................          4.42%          4.44%          4.24%
Weighted average cost
  of deposits at end
  of period .......................          4.47%          4.41%          4.57%

         Borrowings.  The Bank is a member  of the  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank of
Atlanta  ("FHLB of Atlanta").  The FHLB of Atlanta offers various fixed rate and
variable  rate  advances to its members.  Requests for advances with an original
term to maturity of five years or less may be  approved  for any sound  business
purpose in which the member is authorized to engage.  Requests for advances with
original  maturity in excess of five years may be approved  only for the purpose
of enabling that member to provide funds for residential  housing  finance.  The
FHLB of Atlanta  underwrites  each  advance  request  based on  factors  such as
adequacy and stability of capital  position,  quality and composition of assets,
liquidity  management,  level of  borrowings  from all  sources  and other  such
factors.  Pursuant to a collateral agreement with the FHLB, advances are secured
by all stock in the FHLB and a blanket  floating  lien that requires the Bank to
maintain  qualifying  first  mortgage  loans as pledged  collateral in an amount
equal to, when discounted at 75% of the unpaid principal balances, the advances.

         As of September 30, 1997, the Bank had $100 million of outstanding FHLB
advances.  Of  this  amount,  $70  million  have  remaining  maturity  dates  of
thirty-three  months or longer.  The  remaining $30 million of FHLB advances are
short-term,  with  maturity  dates of six months or less.  The bank has used the
short-term  FHLB  advances  as  funding  for  investment   securities  that  are
classified  as  "Available  for  Sale."  Management   expects  that  the  Bank's
short-term advances will be renewed at similar rates and terms.  However, in the
event  that  interest  rates rise in the near  term,  management  would have the
option of renewing the advances at higher rates or selling the  investments  and
using the proceeds to pay off the short term FHLB advances. This could result in
higher borrowing costs or possibly losses on the sale of investment securities.

         As of  September  30,  1997,  the Bank had a total credit limit of $157
million and an availability limit of $57 million with the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Atlanta.

         In addition to FHLB Advances,  the Bank had $174.4 million of unpledged
mortgage-backed    securities   at   September   30,   1997.   These   unpledged
mortgage-backed  securities could be used as collateral under reverse repurchase
transactions with various security dealers.  Such borrowing  transactions  could
provide  additional  cash and  liquidity  to the Bank in the  event of sudden or
unforeseen deposit withdrawals.

                                       75
<PAGE>

         The Bank  recognizes the maturity  characteristics  of its time deposit
portfolio.  Management  believes that unused FHLB  advances and other  borrowing
sources would provide sufficient funding for potential deposit withdrawals.

         In  addition to  advances  from the FHLB of Atlanta,  the Bank has also
borrowed funds from Northwest Bank to fund its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. At
September 30, 1997, the Bank had $375,000 of that obligation outstanding,  which
matures in December,  1998. At September 30, 1997,  the Bank also had a $100,000
Note Payable relating to the purchase of land,  which matures in January,  1998.
From  time to time the Bank has also  entered  into  sales of  securities  under
agreements  to  repurchase.  At  September  30,  1997  no such  agreements  were
outstanding.

                                       76
<PAGE>


                  The  following  table sets  forth  information  regarding  the
Bank's borrowing at and for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      At or for the Year Ended September 30,
                                                                   -------------------------------------------
                                                                       1997             1996          1995
                                                                       ----             ----          ----
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
FHLB Advances:
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>           <C>       
   Average Balance ...........................................     $ 99,342           $ 75,096      $ 58,178  
   Maximum balance at any month-end ..........................      110,000             95,000        85,000  
   Balance at period end .....................................      100,000             95,000        65,000  
   Weighted average interest rate during the period ..........         6.00%              6.12%         6.10% 
   Weighted average interest rate at period end ..............         6.00%              6.02%         6.10% 

Other Borrowings:
   Average Balance ...........................................     $    561           $    857      $  1,160  
   Maximum balance at any month-end ..........................          674                974         1,273  
   Balance at period end .....................................          475                674           974  
   Weighted average interest rate during the period ..........         9.48%              9.47%         9.27% 
   Weighted average interest rate at period end ..............         7.12%              8.50%         9.00% 

Total Borrowings:
   Average Balance ...........................................     $ 99,903           $ 75,953      $ 59,338  
   Maximum balance at any month-end ..........................      110,674             95,974        86,273  
   Balance at period end .....................................      100,475             95,674        65,974  
   Weighted average interest rate during the period ..........         6.02%              6.15%         6.16% 
   Weighted average interest rate at period end ..............         6.01%              6.04%         6.14% 
</TABLE>


                                       77

<PAGE>

                                 ---------------
Subsidiaries

         Federal  associations  generally may invest up to 2% of their assets in
service corporations plus an additional 1% of assets for community purposes.  In
addition,  federal  associations  such as the Bank may invest up to 50% of their
regulatory capital in conforming loans to service  corporations.  In addition to
investments  in service  corporations,  federal  associations  are  permitted to
invest  an  unlimited  amount  in  operating   subsidiaries  engaged  solely  in
activities in which a federal association may directly engage.

         The Bank has two active subsidiary  corporations.  Appraisal  Analysts,
Inc.  provides  real  estate  appraisal  services  to the  Bank as well as third
parties. H. F. Development  Company,  Inc. serve as repositories of selected REO
properties  held  for  disposition.  See  "  --  Delinquent,  Nonperforming  and
Classified Assets."

         The Bank  also has  inactive  subsidiaries,  one of which is  discussed
below:

         CFD, Inc. One of the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiaries is CFD, Inc. CFD,
Inc.  is a Florida  corporation  which,  in  September  1991,  filed a Chapter 7
bankruptcy in the Southern  District of Florida.  Until filing in the bankruptcy
court CFD,  Inc.  had been engaged in land  development  and sales of land using
land  installment  sale contracts.  CFD, Inc. became a subsidiary of the Bank in
1985 as a result of the restructuring of certain nonperforming loans made by the
Bank to CFD,  Inc. and the transfer of CFD,  Inc.  stock and other assets to the
Bank as a result of the restructuring of the debt.

         CFD, Inc.  began land  development  operations in Sebring,  Florida and
Lake Placid,  Florida in the early  1960's  through a  predecessor  corporation,
Highlands County Title and Guaranty Land Company ("Highlands Guaranty"). At that
time it had no business  relationship or affiliation with the Bank. Between 1983
and 1985, the Bank extended loans to CFD, Inc.  which  aggregated  approximately
$20 million. The various loans to CFD, Inc. were subsequently  consolidated into
a  single  loan  and the  Bank  obtained  a first  mortgage  on all  land  under
development.

         The  Bank  assumed  ownership  of  CFD,  Inc.  in  1985  as  part  of a
restructuring.  CFD,  Inc.  filed  for  bankruptcy  in  September  of 1991.  The
bankruptcy process is still underway although it is nearing  conclusion.  All of
the assets of CFD,  Inc. have been  transferred  to the  bankruptcy  trustee for
liquidation.  In connection with the bankruptcy  proceeding,  the Bank is both a
secured and  unsecured  creditor of CFD, Inc.  During the fiscal year 1996,  the
Bank received a $150,000  distribution  from the  bankruptcy  trustee.  The Bank
believes that it is unlikely that it will recover any significant amounts at the
conclusion of the bankruptcy.

         The State of Florida has administratively dissolved CFD, Inc..

Competition

         The Bank is headquartered  in the City of Fort Pierce,  Florida and has
22 branch  offices  located within six counties on Florida's east central coast.
The Bank  encounters  strong  competition  both in  attracting  deposits  and in
originating real estate and consumer loans.

         The Bank's  sources of deposits are  primarily  derived from St. Lucie,
Martin, Indian River, Brevard,  Okeechobee and Volusia Counties.  The six county
market area contains a population of approximately  1.3 million  residents,  and
includes a broad cross-section of demographic and economic characteristics. Like
the rest of the state of Florida,  the region has experienced  relatively strong
growth in recent years,  with  population  growth well above national  averages.
Sections  of  the  market  area  contain   concentrations   of  developed  areas
(residential  and  industrial),  agricultural  areas  (citrus and  cattle),  and
vacation/resort  areas (along the coastline).  The relatively rapid  development
and strong  population  growth has resulted in relatively large increases in new
housing in recent years.

                                       78
<PAGE>

         As of March 31, 1997,  the Bank's  market share of deposits  within the
six counties totaled 6.12% while its largest  competitor held 20.8%.  During the
fiscal years ended  September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1996, the Bank recorded
growth in total  deposits.  The Bank  experienced  deposit  growth in all of its
market area counties except Okeechobee  County.  This growth amounted to a 12.9%
increase  in deposits  from  September  30, 1994 to  September  30,  1996.  This
increase in deposits  includes the  acquisition of Treasure  Coast Bank,  F.S.B.
during June 1996,  which added  approximately  $64 million to the Bank's overall
funding base.  Excluding these acquired deposits,  the Bank's deposits increased
at a rate of  approximately 8% over this time period.  However,  the market will
undergo significant consolidation when the Bank's largest competitor merges with
one  of  the  nation's  largest  financial  institutions.

         Most of the Bank's  mortgages are secured by properties  located within
its six county  market,  with a  predominance  of its lending in the one to four
family residential  mortgages.  The State of Florida has a substantial number of
financial  institutions,  many of which have a state-wide or regional  presence,
and in some cases, a national presence, all of which are competitors of the Bank
to varying  degrees.  The Bank's  competition for loans comes  principally  from
commercial banks, savings banks,  savings and loan associations,  credit unions,
mortgage banking companies and insurance companies.  Its most direct competition
for deposits has historically come from commercial banks,  savings bank, savings
and loan associations and credit unions, many of which are significantly  larger
than the Bank and,  therefore,  have greater  financial and marketing  resources
than those of the Bank. The Bank faces additional  competition for deposits from
short-term money market funds,  other corporate and government  securities funds
and from other  financial  institutions  such as brokerage  firms and  insurance
companies.

         The Bank competes for loans  primarily  through the interest  rates and
loan fees it  charges,  the types of loans it  offers,  and the  efficiency  and
quality of services it provides  borrowers,  real estate brokers,  and builders.
Factors that affect competition  include general and local economic  conditions,
current  interest rate levels and volatility of the mortgage  markets.  Based on
total  assets,  as of  September  30,  1997,  the Bank was the  largest  savings
institution headquartered in the six county area served by the Bank.

Employees

         At September 30, 1997, the Bank had a total of 296 full-time  employees
and 65  part-time  employees,  none of whom  were  represented  by a  collective
bargaining unit. The Bank considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Properties

         The Bank conducts its business from its headquarters in Fort Pierce and
through 22 branch offices.  These offices are located in Brevard,  Indian River,
Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties, Florida. The net book value
at September  30, 1997 of the Bank's  offices was $11.2  million.  The following
table sets forth information regarding the Bank's offices.

                                       79
<PAGE>

                                   Year                               Lease
                Location          Opened        Owned/Leased     Expiration Date
                --------          ------        ------------     ---------------
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
- ----------------
MAIN OFFICE                        1934            OWNED
100 SOUTH SECOND STREET
FORT PIERCE, FL 34950

VIRGINIA AVENUE                    1968            OWNED
500 VIRGINIA AVENUE
FORT PIERCE, FL 34982

PSL MAIN                           1975            OWNED
7181 SOUTH U.S. #1
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34952

H.F. CENTER                        1981            OWNED
2400 S.E. MIDPORT RD.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34952

LAKEWOOD PARK                      1981            OWNED
5100 TURNPIKE FEEDER RD.
FORT PIERCE, FL 34950

DARWIN SQUARE                      1991            LEASED           11/30/97
3251 S.W. PSL BLVD.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34953

ORANGE BLOSSOM                     1984            OWNED
4156 OKEECHOBEE ROAD
FORT PIERCE, FL 34947

ST. LUCIE WEST                     1993            OWNED
1376 S.W. ST. LUCIE WEST
  BLVD.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34986

INDIAN RIVER
- ------------
VERO MAIN                          1978            OWNED
655 21st STREET
VERO BEACH, FL 32960

CAUSEWAY                           1981            OWNED
1700 S.A1A
VERO BEACH, FL 32963

INDIAN RIVER MALL                  1997            OWNED
6080 20th STREET
VERO BEACH, FL 32966

SEBASTIAN                          1979            OWNED
13397 U.S. HIGHWAY #1
SEBASTIAN, FL 32958

                                       80
<PAGE>

                                   Year                               Lease
                Location          Opened        Owned/Leased     Expiration Date
                --------          ------        ------------     ---------------
MARTIN COUNTY
- -------------
PALM CITY                          1978            LEASED           07/26/05
1251 S.W. 27TH STREET
PALM CITY, FL  34990

EAST OCEAN                         1981            OWNED
1500 E. OCEAN BLVD.
STUART, FL 34996

STUART MAIN                        1996            LEASED           08/15/99
789 S. FEDERAL HWY.
STUART, FL 34994

BREVARD COUNTY
- --------------
PALM BAY                           1981            OWNED
5245 BABCOCK ST., N.E.
PALM BAY, FL 32905

INDIALANTIC                        1981            OWNED
305 5th AVENUE
INDIALANTIC, FL 32903

WEST MELBOURNE                     1982            OWNED
2950 W. NEW HAVEN AVENUE
MELBOURNE, FL 32904

VIERA                              1995            OWNED
100 CAPRON TRAIL
MELBOURNE, FL  32940

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
- -----------------
OKEECHOBEE                         1980            OWNED
2801 HIGHWAY #441 SOUTH
OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974

VOLUSIA COUNTY
- --------------
NEW SMYRNA                         1988            LEASED            9/30/99
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
1940 STATE ROAD #44
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL 32069

PORT ORANGE                        1983            OWNED
4035 NOVA ROAD
PORT ORANGE, FL 32127

ORMOND BEACH                       1984            OWNED
75 N. NOVA ROAD
ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174

         All leases are anticipated to renew upon their expiration.

                                       81
<PAGE>

         The Bank uses a data processing service located in Orlando, Florida for
record keeping activities.  The data processor  specializes in servicing savings
associations.  The Bank has used this company since 1969 with a current contract
that expires in 2000. All data  processing  equipment that is used internally by
the Bank is owned  by the  Bank.  The net  book  value of such  data  processing
equipment and related software as of September 30, 1997 was $922,000.

Legal Proceedings

         There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically
involved  incident  to the Bank's  business.  In the opinion of  management,  no
material loss is anticipated from any such pending claims or lawsuits.  The most
significant of these lawsuits is described below.

         Rolo v. General Development Corporation,  et al., Case No. 90-4420. The
Bank and certain other  entities are  defendants in a class action lawsuit which
was  filed in May,  1991.  The case was  filed  in the  District  Court  for the
District of New Jersey.  The  plaintiffs  in the  litigation  are  purchasers of
parcels of developed and undeveloped land from General  Development  Corporation
("GDC") who allege that GDC, through fraudulent means,  induced them to buy land
at inflated  values.  The Bank is a defendant in this matter along with a number
of other financial  institutions,  purchasers of loans in the secondary  market,
broker  dealers,  an  insurance  company  and  numerous  other  individuals  and
companies. The involvement of the Bank arises from its purchase from GDC of land
sales contracts  originated by GDC. The Bank,  along with the other  defendants,
filed a motion to dismiss the case which was granted.  The  plaintiffs  filed an
appeal with the Third Circuit  Court of Appeals  which  remanded the case to the
District  Court  for  reconsideration.  The  District  Court  entered  its order
dismissing the case again.

         The  plaintiffs  filed a motion  requesting the District Court to amend
the dismissal order to permit the plaintiffs to file another amended  complaint.
The District Court denied the plaintiff's  motion. The plaintiffs  appealed that
order to the Third Circuit and both sides were directed to submit  supplementary
briefs.  Management  believes  that the  position of the  plaintiffs  is without
merit.  Management also believes that a negative  outcome to the case,  although
unlikely, would not have a material adverse effect on the Bank.


                                       82
<PAGE>

                                   REGULATION

General

         The Bank is a federally chartered savings association,  the deposits of
which are  federally  insured  and  backed by the full  faith and  credit of the
United  States  Government.  Accordingly,  the Bank is subject to broad  federal
regulation and oversight  extending to all its operations.  The Bank is a member
of the FHLB of Atlanta and is subject to certain limited regulation by the Board
of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System (the  "Federal  Reserve  Board").
Bancorp,  as the mid-tier  holding company of the Bank, is also regulated by the
OTS.  Specifically,  the OTS has ruled  that  Bancorp  has the same  powers  and
limitations   as  the  Mutual   Holding   Company.   After  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  Bancshares  will become the savings and loan holding company for
the Bank.  As the  savings  and loan  holding  company  of the Bank,  it will be
subject to federal  regulation and  oversight.  The purpose of the regulation of
Bancshares  and  other  holding  companies  is  to  protect  subsidiary  savings
associations.  The Bank is a member of the SAIF, which together with the BIF are
the two deposit  insurance  funds  administered by the FDIC, and the deposits of
the Bank are insured by the FDIC. As a result,  the FDIC has certain  regulatory
and examination authority over the Bank.

         Certain of these regulatory requirements and restrictions are discussed
below or elsewhere in this document.

Federal Regulation of Savings Associations

         The  OTS  has  extensive  authority  over  the  operations  of  savings
associations.  Being  subject to this  authority,  the Bank is  required to file
periodic reports with the OTS and is subject to periodic examinations by the OTS
and the FDIC.  The last OTS  examination of the Bank was as of January 21, 1997.
When these examinations are conducted by the OTS and the FDIC, the examiners may
require Bancshares to provide for higher general or specific loan loss reserves.
All savings  associations,  including  the Bank,  are  subject to a  semi-annual
assessment,  based upon their total assets,  to fund the  operations of the OTS.
The Bank's OTS  assessment  for the fiscal year ended  September  30, 1997,  was
$212,000.

         The OTS also  has  extensive  enforcement  authority  over all  savings
institutions and their holding companies, including the Bank, Bancshares and the
Mutual Holding Company. This enforcement authority includes, among other things,
the  ability to assess  civil  money  penalties,  to issue  cease-and-desist  or
removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions. In general, these enforcement
actions may be initiated  for  violations of laws or  regulations  and unsafe or
unsound  practices.  Other  actions  or  inactions  may  provide  the  basis for
enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with the OTS.
Except under  certain  circumstances,  public  disclosure  of final  enforcement
actions by the OTS is required.

         In addition,  the  investment,  lending and branching  authority of the
Bank is  prescribed  by federal law and it is  prohibited  from  engaging in any
activities not permitted by such laws. For instance,  no savings institution may
invest in  non-investment  grade  corporate debt  securities.  In addition,  the
permissible  level of  investment  by federal  associations  in loans secured by
non-residential  real  estate  property  may not exceed  400% of total  capital,
except with approval of the OTS. Federal savings associations are also generally
authorized  to  branch  nationwide.  The Bank is in  compliance  with the  noted
restrictions.

         The Bank's general permissible lending limit for  loans-to-one-borrower
is equal to the  greater of $500,000  or 15% of  unimpaired  capital and surplus
(except for loans fully secured by certain  readily  marketable  collateral,  in
which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). At
September 30, 1997,  the Bank's lending limit under this  restriction  was $14.1
million. The Bank is in compliance with the loans-to-one-borrower limitation.

         The OTS, as well as the other  federal  banking  agencies,  has adopted
guidelines  establishing  safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan
underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings standards,

                                       83
<PAGE>

internal   controls  and  audit   systems,   interest  rate  risk  exposure  and
compensation and other employee benefits.  Any institution which fails to comply
with these standards must submit a compliance plan.

Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC

         The Bank is a member of the SAIF,  which is  administered  by the FDIC.
Deposits are insured up to applicable  limits by the FDIC and such  insurance is
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. As insurer,
the FDIC  imposes  deposit  insurance  premiums  and is  authorized  to  conduct
examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC insured  institutions.  It also
may prohibit any FDIC insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC
determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the SAIF or the BIF.
The FDIC also has the authority to initiate  enforcement actions against savings
associations,  after giving the OTS an opportunity to take such action,  and may
terminate  the deposit  insurance  if it  determines  that the  institution  has
engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

         The FDIC's deposit insurance premiums are assessed through a risk-based
system under which all insured  depository  institutions  are placed into one of
nine  categories  and  assessed  insurance  premiums  based upon their  level of
capital and supervisory evaluation. Under the system, institutions classified as
well  capitalized  (i.e., a core capital ratio of at least 5%, a ratio of Tier 1
or core capital to  risk-weighted  assets  ("Tier 1  risk-based  capital") of at
least 6%,  and a  risk-based  capital  ratio of at least  10%),  and  considered
healthy, pay the lowest premium while institutions that are less than adequately
capitalized (i.e., core or Tier I risk-based capital ratios of less than 4% or a
risk-based  capital  ratio  of less  than  8%)  and  considered  of  substantial
supervisory concern pay the highest premium.  Risk classification of all insured
institutions is made by the FDIC for each semi-annual assessment period.

         The FDIC is authorized to increase  assessment  rates,  on a semiannual
basis, if it determines that the reserve ratio of the SAIF will be less than the
designated  reserve  ratio of 1.25% of SAIF insured  deposits.  In setting these
increased  assessments,  the FDIC must seek to restore the reserve ratio to that
designated  reserve  level,  or such higher  reserve ratio as established by the
FDIC.  The FDIC may also impose  special  assessments  on SAIF  members to repay
amounts  borrowed from the United States Treasury or for any other reason deemed
necessary by the FDIC.

         In order to equalize the deposit  insurance  premium  schedules for BIF
and SAIF insured institutions, the FDIC imposed a one-time special assessment on
all SAIF-assessable deposits pursuant to federal legislation passed on September
30, 1996.  The Bank's  special  assessment,  which was  $4,552,000,  was paid in
November 1996, but accrued as of September 30, 1996.  Effective January 1, 1997,
the premium schedule for BIF and SAIF insured  institutions  ranged from 0 to 27
basis points. However, SAIF insured institutions are required to pay a Financing
Corporation (FICO) assessment,  in order to fund the interest on bonds issued to
resolve thrift  failures in the 1980s,  equal to 6.48 basis points for each $100
in domestic deposits,  while BIF-insured institutions pay an assessment equal to
1.52 basis points for each $100 in domestic deposits. The assessment is expected
to be  reduced  to 2.43 basis  points no later  than  January 1, 2000,  when BIF
insured  institutions  fully participate in the assessment.  These  assessments,
which may be revised based upon the level of BIF and SAIF deposits will continue
until the bonds mature in the year 2017.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

         Federally insured savings associations,  such as the Bank, are required
to  maintain a minimum  level of  regulatory  capital.  The OTS has  established
capital standards,  including a tangible capital  requirement,  a leverage ratio
(or core capital) requirement,  and a risk-based capital requirement  applicable
to such savings  associations.  These capital  requirements must be generally as
stringent as the comparable capital  requirements for national banks. The OTS is
also  authorized to impose capital  requirements in excess of these standards on
individual associations on a case-by-case basis.

         The capital  regulations  require  tangible capital of at least 1.5% of
adjusted  total tangible  assets (as defined by  regulation).  Tangible  capital
generally includes common  stockholders' equity and retained income, and

                                       84
<PAGE>

certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related income. In addition,
all  intangible  assets,  other  than a  limited  amount of  purchased  mortgage
servicing  rights,  must be  deducted  from  tangible  capital  for  calculating
compliance with the requirement.

         The OTS regulations establish special  capitalization  requirements for
savings associations that own subsidiaries.  In determining  compliance with the
capital requirements,  all subsidiaries engaged solely in activities permissible
for national banks, or engaged in certain other  activities  solely as agent for
its customers,  are "includable"  subsidiaries that are consolidated for capital
purposes  in  proportion  to the  Bank's  level  of  ownership.  For  excludable
subsidiaries the debt and equity  investments in such  subsidiaries are deducted
from assets and capital.

         At September 30, 1997, the Bank had tangible  capital of $82.3 million,
or 7.29% of total assets, which is approximately $65.3 million above the minimum
requirement  of 1.5% of adjusted  total assets in effect on that date.  On a pro
forma  basis,  after  giving  effect to the sale of the  minimum,  midpoint  and
maximum  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  offered  in the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  and investment of 50% of the net proceeds in assets not excluded
for tangible capital purposes, the Bank would have had tangible capital equal to
10.39%, 10.91%, and 11.43%, respectively,  of adjusted total assets at September
30,  1997,  which  is  $104.6  million,   $111.6  million  and  $118.5  million,
respectively, above the requirement.

         The capital standards also require core capital equal to at least 3% of
adjusted total assets.  Core capital generally consists of tangible capital plus
certain intangible  assets,  including a limited amount of purchased credit card
relationships.  As a result of the prompt corrective action provisions discussed
below,  however, a savings  association must maintain a core capital ratio of at
least  4%  to  be  considered  adequately  capitalized  unless  its  supervisory
condition is such to allow it to maintain a 3% ratio.

         At  September  30,  1997,  the  Bank had  core  capital  equal to $82.3
million,  or 7.29% of adjusted  total  assets,  which is $48.4 million above the
minimum  leverage  ratio  requirement  of 3% as in effect on that date. On a pro
forma  basis,  after  giving  effect to the sale of the  minimum,  midpoint  and
maximum  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  offered  in the  Conversion  and
Reorganization, and investment of 50% of the net proceeds in assets not excluded
from core capital, the Bank would have had core capital equal to 10.39%,  10.91%
and 11.43%  respectively,  of adjusted total assets at September 30, 1997, which
is $86.9  million,  $93.8 million and $100.6  million,  respectively,  above the
requirement.

         The OTS risk-based  requirement  requires savings  associations to have
total capital of at least 8% of risk-weighted  assets. Total capital consists of
core capital, as defined above, and supplementary capital. Supplementary capital
consists of certain  permanent  and  maturing  capital  instruments  that do not
qualify as core capital and general  valuation loan and lease loss allowances up
to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used
to satisfy the risk-based  requirement  only to the extent of core capital.  The
OTS is  also  authorized  to  require  a  savings  association  to  maintain  an
additional  amount of total capital to account for  concentration of credit risk
and the risk of non-traditional activities.

         In  determining  the  amount  of  risk-weighted   assets,  all  assets,
including certain  off-balance sheet items, will be multiplied by a risk weight,
ranging from 0% to 100%,  based on the risk  inherent in the type of asset.  For
example,  the OTS has assigned a risk weight of 50% for  prudently  underwritten
permanent  one- to  four-family  first lien mortgage loans not more than 90 days
delinquent  and having a loan to value ratio of not more than 80% at origination
unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by FNMA or FHLMC.

         The  OTS  has  adopted  a  final  rule  that  requires   every  savings
association with more than normal interest rate risk exposure to deduct from its
total capital, for purposes of determining compliance with such requirement,  an
amount equal to 50% of its interest-rate risk exposure multiplied by the present
value of its assets.  This exposure is a measure of the potential decline in the
net  portfolio  value of a savings  association,  greater than 2% of the present
value of its  assets,  based upon a  hypothetical  200 basis  point  increase or
decrease  in  interest  rates  (whichever  results  in a greater  decline).  Net
portfolio  value is the  present  value of  expected  cash  flows  from  assets,
liabilities,  and  off-balance  sheet  contracts.  The rule  provides  for a two
quarter lag between calculating

                                       85
<PAGE>

interest rate risk and recognizing any deduction from capital. The rule will not
become   effective  until  the  OTS  evaluates  the  process  by  which  savings
associations  may appeal an interest rate risk  deduction  determination.  It is
uncertain as to when this evaluation may be completed.

         On September  30, 1997,  the Bank had total  capital of $89.7  million.
This amount was $42.4 million above the 8%  requirement  in effect on that date.
On a pro forma basis,  after giving effect to the sale of the minimum,  midpoint
and  maximum  number of shares of Common  Stock  offered in the  Conversion  and
Reorganization,  the  infusion  to the  Bank  of 50% of the net  Conversion  and
Reorganization   proceeds  and  the   investment   of  those   proceeds  in  20%
risk-weighted  government  securities,  the Bank would have had total capital of
21.55%, 22.66% and 23.77%, respectively, of risk-weighted assets, which is above
the current 8% requirement  by $81.5  million,  $88.5 million and $95.5 million,
respectively.

         Prompt  Corrective  Action.  The OTS and the FDIC are  authorized  and,
under certain  circumstances,  required, to take certain actions against savings
association that fail to meet their capital  requirements.  The OTS is generally
required to take  action to  restrict  the  activities  of an  "undercapitalized
association"  (generally  defined  to be one  with  less  than  either a 4% core
capital  ratio,  a 4% Tier 1  risked-based  capital  ratio  or an 8%  risk-based
capital ratio). Any such association must submit a capital  restoration plan and
until such plan is approved  by the OTS may not  increase  its  assets,  acquire
another  institution,  establish a branch or engage in any new  activities,  and
generally  may not make capital  distributions.  The OTS is authorized to impose
the   additional    restrictions    that   are   applicable   to   significantly
undercapitalized associations.

         As a condition to the  approval of the capital  restoration  plan,  any
company  controlling  an  undercapitalized  association  must agree that it will
enter  into  a  limited  capital  maintenance  guarantee  with  respect  to  the
institution's achievement of its capital requirements.

         Any savings  association  that fails to comply with its capital plan or
is  "significantly  undercapitalized"  (i.e.,  Tier 1 risk-based or core capital
ratios of less than 3% or a  risk-based  capital  ratio of less than 6%) must be
made  subject  to one or more of  additional  specified  actions  and  operating
restrictions  which may cover all aspects of its operations and include a forced
merger or acquisition of an association. An association that becomes "critically
undercapitalized"  (i.e., a tangible  capital ratio of 2% or less) is subject to
further mandatory restrictions on its activities in addition to those applicable
to significantly  undercapitalized  savings associations.  In addition,  the OTS
must appoint a receiver (or conservator  with the concurrence of the FDIC) for a
savings  association,  with certain limited exceptions,  within 90 days after it
becomes critically  undercapitalized.  Any undercapitalized  association is also
subject to the general enforcement  authority of the OTS and the FDIC, including
the appointment of a conservator or a receiver.

         The OTS is also generally  authorized to reclassify an association into
a lower capital category and impose the restrictions applicable to such category
if the institution is engaged in unsafe or unsound  practices or is in an unsafe
or unsound condition.

         The  imposition by the OTS or the FDIC of any of these  measures on the
Bank may have a substantial adverse effect on its operations and profitability.

Limitations on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions

         OTS regulations impose various restrictions on savings association with
respect  to their  ability  to make  distributions  of  capital,  which  include
dividends,  stock  redemptions  or  repurchases,   cash-out  mergers  and  other
transactions  charged to the capital  account.  OTS regulations  also prohibit a
savings  association from declaring or paying any dividends or from repurchasing
any of its stock if, as a result, the regulatory capital of an association would
be reduced  below the  amount  required  to be  maintained  for the  liquidation
account established in connection with its mutual to stock conversion.  See "THE
CONVERSION AND  REORGANIZATION -- Effects of the Conversion and  Reorganization"
and "--  Certain  Restrictions  on  Purchase  or  Transfer  of Shares  After the
Conversion and Reorganization."

                                       86
<PAGE>

         The  OTS   utilizes  a   three-tiered   approach   to  permit   savings
associations,  based on their capital level and supervisory  condition,  to make
capital distributions which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases,
cash-out  mergers and other  transactions  charged to the capital  account.  See
"--Regulatory Capital Requirements."

         Generally, Tier 1 savings associations,  which are savings associations
that  before and after the  proposed  distribution  meet their  current  capital
requirements,  may make capital  distributions during any calendar year equal to
the greater of 100% of net income for the year-to-date plus 50% of the amount by
which the lesser of the  association's  tangible,  core, or  risk-based  capital
exceeds its fully phased-in capital  requirement for such capital component,  as
measured at the beginning of the calendar  year, or the amount  authorized for a
Tier 2 association.  However,  a Tier 1 association deemed to be in need of more
than  normal  supervision  by the  OTS may be  downgraded  to a Tier 2 or Tier 3
association as a result of such a determination. The Bank meets the requirements
for a Tier I  association  and has not been  notified  of a need  for more  than
normal supervision. Tier 2 savings associations,  which are savings associations
that  before and after the  proposed  distribution  meet their  current  minimum
capital requirements,  may make capital distributions of up to 75% of net income
over the most recent four quarter period.

         Tier 3 savings associations (which are savings associations that do not
meet  current  minimum  capital  requirements)  that propose to make any capital
distribution  and Tier 2 savings  associations  that  propose  to make a capital
distribution  in excess of the noted safe harbor  level must obtain OTS approval
prior to making such distribution. Tier 2 savings associations proposing to make
a capital  distribution  within the safe  harbor  provisions  and Tier 1 savings
associations proposing to make any capital distribution need only submit written
notice to the OTS 30 days prior to such distribution.  The OTS may object to the
distribution during that 30-day period based on safety and soundness concerns. A
savings association may not make a capital  distribution  without prior approval
of the OTS and the FDIC if it is  undercapitalized  before,  or as a result  of,
such a distribution. See "- Regulatory Capital Requirements."

Liquidity

         All savings associations,  including the Bank, are required to maintain
an average daily  balance of liquid assets equal to a certain  percentage of the
sum of its  average  daily  balance of net  withdrawable  deposit  accounts  and
borrowings  payable  in one  year or  less.  For a  discussion  of what the Bank
includes  in  liquid  assets,  see  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF
FINANCIAL   CONDITION  AND  RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS  --  Liquidity  and  Capital
Resources."  This  liquid  asset  ratio  requirement  may vary from time to time
(between 4% and 10%) depending upon economic conditions and savings flows of all
savings association. At the present time, the minimum liquid asset ratio is 5%.

         In  addition,  short-term  liquid  assets  (e.g.,  cash,  certain  time
deposits,  certain  bankers  acceptances  and short-term  United States Treasury
obligations)  currently must  constitute at least 1% of the Bank's average daily
balance of net withdrawable  deposit accounts and current borrowings.  Penalties
may be imposed upon savings  associations  for violations of either liquid asset
ratio  requirement.  At September 30, 1997, the Bank was in compliance with both
requirements,  with an overall  liquid  asset  ratio of 14.92% and a  short-term
liquid assets ratio of 5.94%.

Accounting

         An OTS policy statement applicable to all savings association clarifies
and re-emphasizes that the investment  activities of a savings  association must
be  in  compliance  with  approved  and  documented   investment   policies  and
strategies,  and must be accounted for in accordance with GAAP. Under the policy
statement,  management  must support its  classification  of and  accounting for
loans and securities (i.e., whether held for investment,  sale, or trading) with
appropriate documentation. The Bank is in compliance with these amended rules.

                                       87
<PAGE>

         The OTS has adopted an amendment to its accounting  regulations,  which
may be made more stringent than GAAP by the OTS, to require that transactions be
reported in a manner that best reflects their underlying  economic substance and
inherent risk and that financial  reports must  incorporate any other accounting
regulations or orders prescribed by the OTS.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test

         All savings  associations,  including the Bank,  are required to meet a
QTL test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. This test requires a
savings  association to have at least 65% of its portfolio assets (as defined by
regulation) in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of
every 12 months on a rolling basis. As an alternative,  the savings  association
may maintain 60% of its assets in those assets specified in Section  7701(a)(19)
of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended  ("Code").  Under either test,
such  assets  primarily  consist  of  residential   housing  related  loans  and
investments. At September 30, 1997, the Bank met the test and has always met the
test since its effectiveness.

         Any savings association that fails to meet the QTL test must convert to
a national bank charter, unless it requalifies as a QTL and thereafter remains a
QTL. If an  association  does not  requalify  and  converts  to a national  bank
charter,  it must remain SAIF  insured  until the FDIC permits it to transfer to
the BIF.  If such an  association  has not yet  requalified  or  converted  to a
national  bank,  its  new  investments  and  activities  are  limited  to  those
permissible  for both a  savings  association  and a  national  bank,  and it is
limited to national bank branching  rights in its home state. In addition,  such
an association is immediately  ineligible to receive any new FHLB borrowings and
is subject to national bank limits for payment of dividends. If such association
has not requalified or converted to a national bank within three years after the
failure,  it must  divest  of all  investments  and  cease  all  activities  not
permissible  for a  national  bank.  In  addition,  it must repay  promptly  any
outstanding FHLB borrowings,  which may result in prepayment  penalties.  If any
association  that fails the QTL test is  controlled by a holding  company,  then
within one year after the failure,  the holding  company must register as a bank
holding  company  and  become  subject  to  all  restrictions  on  bank  holding
companies.  See " -- Company  Regulation."  Recent  changes in federal  law have
provided savings  associations  with a broader array of lending  activities that
will enable the Bank to  continue to meet the QTL test but place more  portfolio
assets in credit card loans, educational loans and commercial loans.

Community Reinvestment Act

         Under the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  ("CRA"),  every  FDIC  insured
institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with safe and
sound banking  practices to help meet the credit needs of its entire  community,
including  low and moderate  income  neighborhoods.  The CRA does not  establish
specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it
limit an institution's  discretion to develop the types of products and services
that it believes are best suited to its particular  community,  consistent  with
the CRA. The CRA requires the OTS, in  connection  with the  examination  of the
Bank,  to assess the  institution's  record of meeting  the credit  needs of its
community  and to take such record  into  account in its  evaluation  of certain
applications, such as a merger or the establishment of a branch, by the Bank.
An  unsatisfactory  rating  may be  used  as the  basis  for  the  denial  of an
application by the OTS.

         After the Conversion and Reorganization and merger, the federal banking
agencies,  including the OTS, have recently  revised the CRA regulations and the
methodology for determining an institution's compliance with the CRA. Due to the
heightened  attention being given to the CRA in the past few years, the Bank may
be required to devote  additional  finds for investment and lending in its local
community.  The Bank was last  examined for CRA  compliance  on June 9, 1997. At
that time it was rated as having an  "outstanding  record of  meeting  community
credit needs."

                                       88
<PAGE>

Transactions with Affiliates

         Generally,   transactions   between  a  savings   association   or  its
subsidiaries  and its affiliates are required to be on terms as favorable to the
association as transactions with non-affiliates.  In addition,  certain of these
transactions,  such as loans to an affiliate,  are restricted to a percentage of
the association's capital. Affiliates of the Bank include Bancshares, the Mutual
Holding  Company and any company which is under common control with the Bank. In
addition,  a  savings  association  may not  lend to any  affiliate  engaged  in
activities not  permissible for a bank holding company or acquire the securities
of most affiliates.  The OTS has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of savings
association as affiliates on a case by case basis.

         Certain  transactions with directors,  officers or controlling  persons
are also subject to conflict of interest  regulations enforced by the OTS. These
conflict of interest  regulations and other statutes also impose restrictions on
loans to such persons and their  related  interests.  Among other  things,  such
loans must be made on terms  substantially the same as for loans to unaffiliated
individuals.

Company Regulation

        Upon completion of the Conversion and Reorganization, Bancshares will be
a unitary savings and loan holding  company  subject to regulatory  oversight by
the OTS. As such,  Bancshares  is required to register and file reports with the
OTS and is subject to regulation and  examination  by the OTS. In addition,  the
OTS has enforcement  authority over  Bancshares and its non-savings  association
subsidiaries which also permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit  activities that
are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings association.

         As a unitary savings and loan holding company, the Company generally is
not subject to activity restrictions.  If Bancshares acquires control of another
savings association as a separate subsidiary, it would become a multiple savings
and loan  holding  company,  and the  activities  of  Bancshares  and any of its
subsidiaries (other than the Bank or any other SAIF insured savings association)
would become subject to such restrictions unless such other savings associations
each qualify as a QTL and were acquired in a supervisory acquisition.

         If the Bank fails the QTL test, the Company must obtain the approval of
the OTS prior to continuing  after such  failure,  directly or through its other
subsidiaries,  any  business  activity  other than those  approved  for multiple
savings and loan holding companies or their  subsidiaries.  In addition,  within
one year of such failure the Company must  register as, and will become  subject
to, the  restrictions  applicable  to bank  holding  companies.  The  activities
authorized  for a bank holding  company are more limited than are the activities
authorized  for a unitary or multiple  savings and loan holding  company.  See "
- --Qualified Thrift Lender Test."

         Bancshares must obtain approval from the OTS before  acquiring  control
of  any  other  SAIF-insured   association.   Such  acquisitions  are  generally
prohibited  if they  result  in a  multiple  savings  and loan  holding  company
controlling  savings  associations  in  more  than  one  state.   However,  such
interstate  acquisitions are permitted based on specific state  authorization or
in a supervisory acquisition of a failing savings association.

Federal Securities Law

         The stock of Bancshares is registered under the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934 (the "Exchange  Act") as administered by the Securities and Exchange
Commission  ("SEC").  The stock of Bancorp  is  currently  registered  under the
Exchange  Act.  After the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  the Common Stock of
Bancshares  will be registered  with the SEC under the Exchange Act.  Bancshares
will  continue to be subject to the  information,  proxy  solicitation,  insider
trading restrictions and other requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

         Common Stock held by persons who are  affiliates  (generally  officers,
directors and principal  stockholders)  of Bancshares  may not be resold without
registration  unless  resold in  accordance  with certain  resale  restrictions.
Further,  affiliates may not sell Common Stock  (excluding  Exchange Shares) for
one year following the Conversion and Reorganization.  Thereafter, if Bancshares
meets specified current public information

                                       89
<PAGE>

requirements, each affiliate of Bancshares is able to sell in the public market,
without registration, a limited number of shares in any three-month period.

Federal Reserve System

         The Federal  Reserve  Board  requires all  depository  institutions  to
maintain   noninterest  bearing  reserves  at  specified  levels  against  their
transaction accounts (primarily checking,  NOW and Super NOW checking accounts).
At  September  30,  1997,  the  Bank  was  in  compliance   with  these  reserve
requirements.  The balances maintained to meet the reserve  requirements imposed
by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy liquidity  requirements that
may be imposed by the OTS. See " --Liquidity."

         Savings  association  are authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve
Bank "discount  window," but Federal Reserve Board  regulations  require savings
associations to exhaust other reasonable alternative sources of funds, including
FHLB borrowings, before borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

         The  Bank is a  member  of the  FHLB  of  Atlanta,  which  is one of 12
regional FHLBs that provide collateralized  borrowings (advances) to support the
home financing  credit function of savings  associations  and other  stockholder
members  such as  commercial  banks and  credit  unions.  Each FHLB  serves as a
reserve or central  bank for its members  within its  assigned  region.  Each is
funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations
of the FHLB System.  Each makes loans to members (i.e.,  advances) in accordance
with policies and procedures, established by the board of directors of the FHLB,
which are subject to the oversight of the Federal  Housing  Finance  Board.  All
advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral
as determined by the FHLB. In addition,  all long-term  advances are required to
provide funds for residential home financing.

         As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the
FHLB of Atlanta.  At September 30, 1997,  the Bank had $7,595,000 in FHLB stock,
which was in  compliance  with this  requirement.  In past  years,  the Bank has
received  substantial  dividends  on its FHLB  stock.  Over the past five fiscal
years such dividends have averaged 6.48%, and were 7.25% for calendar year 1996.

         Under  federal  law the FHLBs are  required  to  provide  funds for the
resolution  of  troubled  savings  association  and to  contribute  to  low  and
moderately priced housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on
advances  targeted for community  investment and low and moderate income housing
projects.  These  contributions  have  affected  adversely  the  level  of  FHLB
dividends  paid and could continue to do so in the future.  These  contributions
could also have an adverse  effect on the value of FHLB stock in the  future.  A
reduction  in value of the  Bank's  FHLB  stock may  result  in a  corresponding
reduction in the Bank's capital.

         For the year ended  September 30, 1997,  dividends  paid by the FHLB of
Atlanta to the Bank totaled $536,000.

Federal and State Taxation

         Federal  Taxation.  Savings  associations  such as the  Bank  that  met
certain  definitional  tests  relating  to the  composition  of assets and other
conditions  prescribed by the Code, are permitted to establish  reserves for bad
debts and to make annual additions  thereto which may, within specified  formula
limits,  be taken as a deduction in computing  taxable income for federal income
tax purposes.  The amount of the bad debt reserve  deduction for  "nonqualifying
loans" is  computed  under the  experience  method.  The  amount of the bad debt
reserve  deduction for "qualifying real property loans" (generally loans secured
by improved real estate) could be computed under either the experience method or
the percentage of taxable income method (based on an annual election).

                                       90
<PAGE>

         Under the  experience  method,  the bad debt  reserve  deduction  is an
amount  determined  under a formula based  generally upon the bad debts actually
sustained by the savings association over a period of years.

         Since 1987,  the percentage of  specially-computed  taxable income that
was used to compute a savings association's bad debt reserve deduction under the
percentage of taxable income method (the  "percentage  bad debt  deduction") was
8%. The  percentage  bad debt  deduction thus computed was reduced by the amount
permitted as a deduction for  non-qualifying  loans under the experience method.
The availability of the percentage of taxable income method permitted qualifying
savings  association  to be taxed at a lower  effective  federal income tax rate
than that applicable to corporations generally (approximately 31.3% assuming the
maximum percentage bad debt deduction). Under changes in federal tax law enacted
in August 1996, the  percentage  bad debt deduction has been  eliminated for tax
years  beginning after December 31, 1995.  Accordingly,  this method will not be
available  to the  Bank  for  its tax  years  ending  September  30,  1997,  and
thereafter.

         Under the percentage of taxable income method,  the percentage bad debt
deduction  could not exceed the amount  necessary to increase the balance in the
reserve for  qualifying  real  property  loans to an amount  equal to 6% of such
loans  outstanding  at the end of the  taxable  year,  or the greater of (i) the
amount  deductible under the experience  method,  or (ii) the amount which, when
added to the bad debt deduction for non-qualifying  loans,  equals the amount by
which 12% of the amount comprising  savings accounts at year-end exceeds the sum
of  surplus,  undivided  profits,  and  reserves at the  beginning  of the year.
Through  September  30, 1996,  the 6% and 12%  limitations  did not restrict the
percentage bad debt deduction available to the Bank.

         The  federal  tax  legislation  enacted in August  1996 also  imposes a
requirement  to recapture  into taxable income the portion of the qualifying and
non-qualifying  loan  reserves  in excess of the  "base-year"  balances  of such
reserves.  For the Bank, the base-year reserves are the balances as of September
30, 1988.  Recapture of the excess  reserves  will occur over a six-year  period
which  could begin for the Bank as early as the tax year  ending  September  30,
1997  (commencement of the recapture period may be delayed,  however,  for up to
two years  provided the Bank meets certain  residential  lending  requirements).
This delay of the  recapture  is not  available  to the Bank if it converts to a
national bank. The Bank previously established, and will continue to maintain, a
deferred  tax  liability  with  respect to its federal tax bad debt  reserves in
excess of the base-year balances; accordingly, the legislative changes will have
no effect on total income tax expense for financial reporting purposes.

         Also, under the August 1996  legislation,  the Bank's base-year federal
tax bad debt reserves are "frozen" and subject to current recapture only in very
limited circumstances. Generally, recapture of all or a portion of the base-year
reserves  will be  required if the Bank pays a dividend in excess of the greater
of its current or accumulated earnings and profits, redeems any of its stock, or
is  liquidated.  The Bank has not  established a deferred  federal tax liability
under SFAS No. 109 for its base-year  federal tax bad debt reserves,  as it does
not  anticipate  engaging  in any of the  transactions  that  would  cause  such
reserves to be recaptured.

         In addition to the regular income tax, corporations,  including savings
association  such as the  Bank,  generally  are  subject  to a minimum  tax.  An
alternative  minimum tax is imposed at a minimum tax rate of 20% on  alternative
minimum  taxable  income,  which is the sum of a  corporation's  regular taxable
income (with certain  adjustments) and tax preference  items, less any available
exemption.  The alternative  minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the
corporation's  regular  income tax and net  operating  losses can offset no more
than 90% of alternative  minimum  taxable  income.  For taxable years  beginning
after 1986 and before 1996, corporations,  including savings association such as
the Bank, are also subject to an environmental  tax equal to 0.12% of the excess
of alternative  minimum taxable income for the taxable year (determined  without
regard to net operating losses and the deduction for the environmental tax) over
$2 million.

         The Bank files federal  income tax returns on a fiscal year basis using
the accrual method of accounting.

         The Bank was recently  notified by the IRS that its  September 30, 1995
federal  tax  return  would be  examined.  In the  opinion  of  management,  the
examination  of still open returns would not result in a deficiency  which could
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Bank.

                                       91
<PAGE>

         Florida Taxation.  Under the laws of the state of Florida,  Bancorp and
its subsidiaries are subject generally to a 5.5% tax on net income.  The tax may
be  reduced  by  credit  of up to 65% of the  tax  due as a  result  of  certain
intangible taxes.

                     MANAGEMENT OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES

Directors and Executive Officers

         The Board of Directors of Bancshares  consists of the same  individuals
who are the  current  members of the Board of  Directors  of the Bank.  Upon the
completion of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  the directors of Bancorp will
become directors of Bancshares.  See "MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Directors." Each
director of Bancorp has served since its  incorporation in November of 1997. The
directors of Bancorp serve three year staggered terms so approximately one third
of the directors  are elected at each annual  meeting of the  stockholders.  The
terms  of the  current  directors  of  Bancorp  and  those of  Bancshares,  upon
completion of the Conversion and Reorganization,  are the same as their terms as
directors of the Bank. Bancshares does not intend to pay its directors a fee for
participation on the Board of Directors of Bancshares.

         The executive  officers of Bancshares will be elected annually and hold
office until their  respective  successors  have been  elected and  qualified or
until death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors of Bancshares. The
executive officers of Bancshares are also the executive officers of the Bank. It
is not  anticipated  that the  executive  officers  of  Bancshares  receive  any
renumeration  in their capacity as Bancshares  executive  officers,  nor do they
currently receive renumeration as officers of Bancorp. For information regarding
compensation of directors and executive officers of the Bank, see "MANAGEMENT OF
THE BANK."

                             MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK

Directors

         The  direction and control of the Bank is vested in the Bank's Board of
Directors.  The Board of Directors  currently consists of seven  directors.  The
directors  are  divided  into  three  classes.  Approximately  one  third of the
directors are elected at each annual meeting of  stockholders.  Because  Bancorp
currently owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank, it, through
its  directors,  elects  directors  of the Bank.  This will  continue  after the
Conversion and Reorganization  after Bancorp ceases to exist and Bancshares owns
all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank.

         The following table sets forth certain information, as of September 30,
1997, with respect to each director of the Bank.

                                            Director of the    New or Current
       Name                           Age      Bank Since     Term to Expire(*)
       ----                           ---      ----------     -----------------
Bruce R. Abernethy, Sr .........       62         1983             1999
Richard N. Bird ................       56         1997             2000
Michael J. Brown, Sr ...........       56         1977             1998
Richard K. Davis ...............       67         1978             2000

                                       92
<PAGE>

                                            Director of the    New or Current
       Name                           Age      Bank Since     Term to Expire(*)
       ----                           ---      ----------     -----------------
Edward G. Enns .................       64         1977             1999
Frank H. Fee, III ..............       54         1987             2000
Richard B. Hellstrom ...........       61         1988             1998

- --------------------

(*)  All terms expire on the date of the Annual Meeting.

         The principal  occupation  for the last five years for each director of
the Bank is set forth below.


Bruce R. Abernethy, Sr.  Mr. Abernethy  was  elected  to  the  Board  in   1983.
                         He  served  as  Executive  Vice  President  of the Fort
                         Pierce/St.  Lucie County  Chamber of Commerce  from May
                         1991 to May  1993.  Prior  to that  Mr.  Abernethy  was
                         operations  manager  for the  Southern  Bell  Telephone
                         Company.  He  currently  resides in St.  Lucie  County,
                         Florida, and is retired.

Richard N. Bird          Mr. Bird  is  President  and principal  broker  of Bird
                         Realty broker of Bird Realty Group, Inc., a real estate
                         brokerage firm  specializing  in commercial real estate
                         in Indian  River  County.  He is recently  retired from
                         elected  office  after  serving  sixteen  years  on the
                         Indian  River  County  Commission.  Mr.  Bird  assisted
                         Harbor  Federal in  forming  the  Indian  River  County
                         Advisory  Board and served as a member of that Board in
                         1996.  He conducts his business in Indian River County,
                         Florida.

Michael J. Brown, Sr.    Mr. Brown has  served as  President and Chief Executive
                         Officer of Harbor Federal since 1976. He was elected to
                         the Board in 1977. Prior to joining Harbor Federal, Mr.
                         Brown was the Chief  Financial  Officer  at  University
                         Federal Savings in Coral Gables, Florida and Prudential
                         Savings in Clayton,  Missouri.  Mr. Brown has served as
                         president  of the  Chamber of  Commerce  and the Rotary
                         Club.  He has also  been a member of the  Federal  Home
                         Loan Mortgage Corporation Advisory Board.

Richard K. Davis         Mr. Davis  has  served on the Board of Directors  since
                         1978.  He is Chairman of Richard K. Davis  Construction
                         Corp., located in St. Lucie County, Florida.

Edward G. Enns           Mr. Enns  has served as a  Director  since 1977.  He is
                         the owner of the Enns  Agency,  a property and casualty
                         insurance agency located in Fort Pierce,  Florida.  Mr.
                         Enns is a licensed  real estate  sales  agent.  He is a
                         former County

                                       93
<PAGE>

                         Commission Chairman of St. Lucie County,  Florida,  and
                         presently serves as mayor of the city of Fort Pierce.

Frank H. Fee, III        Mr. Fee  has  served  as  a  Director  since  1987.  He
                         is an attorney  and  President of the law firm of Fee &
                         Koblegard,   P.A.   which  does   business   under  the
                         registered name of Fee,  Koblegard & DeRoss,  a general
                         practice law firm located in Fort Pierce,  Florida. Mr.
                         Fee is also  President  of  Treasure  Coast  Abstract &
                         Title  Insurance  Company,  an  abstracting  and  title
                         insuring  agent firm,  and is in the business of citrus
                         and cattle production.

Richard B. Hellstrom     Mr. Hellstrom  has been  a Director  since 1988.  He is
                         shareholder and President of Lindahl, Browning, Ferrari
                         &  Hellstrom,  Inc.,  a  firm  specializing  in  civil,
                         environmental and agricultural engineering. He conducts
                         his business in St. Lucie County, Florida.

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

         The  following  executive  officers  do  not  serve  on  the  Board  of
Directors.  Apart from the Change in Control  Agreements to be entered into upon
consummation  of  the  Conversion  and   Reorganization,   there  are  no  other
arrangements  or  understandings  between the Bank or Bancshares and any persons
pursuant  to which  such  person  serves  as an  executive  officer.  Except  as
otherwise noted, they have been employed by the Bank for the last five years.

Don W. Bebber            Mr.  Bebber  is  a  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief
                         Financial  Officer.  He began  working  for the Bank in
                         1982 as Controller and as Treasurer in 1986. He assumed
                         his present position in 1990.

Robert W. Bluestone      Mr. Bluestone has been Senior Vice President for Retail
                         Banking  since  1988.  Prior to that he worked  for the
                         Bank as Assistant Vice President  beginning in 1976, as
                         Vice President of Savings and Marketing in 1978, and as
                         Senior Vice  President of Retail  Banking in 1981 until
                         he assumed his present position.

Albert L. Fort           Mr.  Fort is Senior Vice  President  of  Marketing  and
                         Operations.  Since  joining the Bank in 1983,  Mr. Fort
                         has also served as Vice  President  of Savings and Vice
                         President  of  Savings/Marketing.  Before  joining  the
                         Bank,  Mr. Fort held  positions  with two other savings
                         associations.

David C. Hankle          Mr. Hankle is currently Senior Vice President of Credit
                         Administration and Commercial Lending and has held that
                         position since 1989.  Prior to this he served as Senior
                         Vice President for Banking from 1985 to 1989.

Board Meetings and Committees

         The Board of  Directors  meets  twice a month  and may have  additional
special  meetings.  During the year ended  September 30, 1997,  the Board met 26
times.  All  Directors  who served as  directors  during  the fiscal  year ended
September  30,  1997  attended  at least 75% of Board  meetings.  All  committee
members  attended at least 75% of the meetings of their  respective  committees.
The standing committees include the following:

                                       94
<PAGE>

         Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal
year ended  September 30, 1997. The Audit  Committee  reviews the internal audit
department  of the Bank as well as selecting  the  independent  auditors for the
Bank.  It also has  oversight  of the  Bank's  internal  control  structure  and
financial  reporting  as well as review of the Bank's  annual  audit plan.  This
committee currently consists of Messrs. Bird, Davis, and Fee.

         Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee nominates candidates for
vacancies for the office of director.  The Committee met once in fiscal 1997 and
consists of Messrs. Enns, Abernethy, Bird, Hellstrom and Brown.

         Compensation  Committee.  The Compensation Committee met four (4) times
in fiscal  1997.  It reviews and  discusses  employee  performance  and prepares
recommendations  for annual salary  adjustments and bonuses.  The Committee also
administers  Bancorp's  and the  Bank's  stock  benefit  plans.  This  committee
consists of Messrs. Abernethy, Enns, and Hellstrom.

Directors' Fees

         Directors  of the Bank  receive a monthly  fee of $1,750 for serving on
the Board.  Directors Abernethy,  Davis and Fee defer their compensation through
the Bank's Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. In addition,  each Director is
covered  by a Group  Accident  and  Travel  Plan at a cost of $290  per year per
Director. The Chairman of the Board, Edward G. Enns, receives an additional $435
per month and the Vice-Chairman, Bruce R. Abernethy, Sr., receives an additional
$200 per month. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman  devote approximately 10% and 8%,
respectively,  of their professional time to the affairs of the Bank.  President
Brown receives no fees for serving on the Board of Directors.

Director Retirement Plan

         The Bank has established a Director  Retirement  Plan. Under this plan,
non-employee  directors  who served on the Board of Directors for ten (10) years
and have attained the age of 65 are entitled to receive  annually  until death a
payment upon  retirement  equal to 2 1/2% of the average of the annual Board fee
paid such directors for the last three years of service  multiplied by his years
of Board  services  (not to exceed 50% of the three year average  fee). In 1996,
the Board  discontinued  this plan on a  prospective  basis.  Directors who were
elected to the Board after 1996,  such as Richard N. Bird,  are not  eligible to
participate in this plan.

Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan

         The Unfunded  Deferred  Compensation Plan for the Directors of the Bank
(the "Directors'  Deferred  Compensation  Plan") provides that a director of the
Bank may  elect to defer  all or part of his  annual  director  fees to fund the
Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan also provides that deferred fees
are to earn  interest at an annual  rate equal to the  30-month  certificate  of
deposit rate  adjusted and  compounded  quarterly.  Amounts  deferred  under the
Directors'  Deferred  Compensation  Plan are distributed in annual  installments
over a ten  year  period  beginning  with the  first  day of the  calendar  year
immediately  following  the year in  which  the  director:  (i)  ceases  to be a
director;  or (ii)  attains  the age of 65,  having  been a  participant  in the
Directors'  Deferred  Compensation  Plan for a minimum of five  years;  or (iii)
terminates his participation in the plan. The Directors'  Deferred  Compensation
Plan also  provides  methods  of  distribution  in the event of the death of the
participant  as well as  retirement or removal from the Board of the Bank. As of
October 31, 1997, the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan held 21,350, 22,900,
and  16,200  shares of  Bancorp  Stock  for  Messrs.  Abernethy,  Davis and Fee,
respectively.  These shares were acquired by the Plan utilizing  deferred annual
director fees of Messrs. Abernethy, Davis and Fee.

                                       95
<PAGE>

Executive Compensation

         The following table sets forth the compensation  paid to Mr. Michael J.
Brown, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer,  Robert W. Bluestone,  Senior
Vice President - Retail Banking, David C. Hankle, Senior Vice President - Credit
Administration/Commercial  Lending,  Don W. Bebber,  Senior Vice  President  and
Chief  Financial   Officer,   and  Albert  L.  Fort,  Senior  Vice  President  -
Marketing/Operations. No other executive officer of the Bank served as President
or earned a total  salary and bonus in excess of  $100,000  during  these  three
fiscal years.

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Annual Compensation                           Long Term Compensation
                                               -------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------
                                                                                           Restricted                      All Other
      Name and                                                                                Stock                      Compensaton
 Principal Position                            Year(1)      Salary($)        Bonus($)        Awards($)      Options(#)       ($)(2)
 ------------------                            -------      ---------        --------      ------------     ----------       ------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>          <C>     
Michael J. Brown, Sr                            1997        $250,057        $ 23,804        $      0           3,000        $127,709
President                                       1996         235,550          22,260               0           2,000          98,996
                                                1995         220,833          25,440               0               0          55,453

Robert W. Bluestone                             1997        $127,083        $ 12,250        $      0               0        $  8,375
Senior Vice President-                          1996         121,717          11,780               0             500          10,510
Retail Banking                                  1995         116,950          11,270               0               0          10,347

David C. Hankle                                 1997        $126,083        $12,150         $      0               0        $ 11,852
Senior Vice President-                          1996         120,717          11,680               0             500          14,194
Credit Administration/                          1995         115,967          11,180               0               0          14,387
Commercial Lending

Don W. Bebber                                   1997        $110,333        $ 10,450        $      0               0        $  9,162
Senior Vice President-                          1996         102,917           9,500               0             500          11,033
Chief Financial Officer                         1995          92,500          16,000               0               0          11,047

Albert L. Fort                                  1997        $100,283        $  9,670        $      0               0        $ 10,218
Senior Vice President-                          1996          96,392           9,485               0             500          12,286
Marketing/Operations                            1995          94,242           9,120               0               0          13,514

</TABLE>
- ---------------

(1)  The Bank's fiscal year ends September 30.

(2)  For fiscal 1997 consists of insurance payments of $6,113,  $2,536,  $4,155,
     $4,173 and $4,082 and  contributions to the Bank's Employee Stock Ownership
     Plan in the equivalent amount of $6,478,  $5,839, $5,792, $4,989 and $4,669
     for  Messrs.  Brown,  Bluestone,  Hankle,  Bebber  and Fort,  respectively.
     Additionally,  the Bank  contributed

                                       96
<PAGE>

     $2,018, $1,905 and $1,467 to Messrs. Brown, Hankle and Fort,  respectively,
     pursuant to the Bank's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.  The Bank also
     contributed $113,100 to fund Mr. Brown's Supplemental  Executive Retirement
     Plan.  Other personal  benefits  provided by the Bank have not been listed.
     The  aggregate  amount  of such  benefits  does not  exceed  the  lesser of
     $50,000, or 10% of each named executive officers' cash compensation.

         Option  Grants  in Last  Fiscal  Year.  The  following  table  provides
information  on option  grants in fiscal 1997 to Mr. Brown.  No other  executive
officer received option grants during fiacal 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Potential Realizable
                                                                                                              Value at Assumed
                                                                                                             Annualized Rates of
                                                                                                                 Stock Price
                                                                                                                Appreciation
                                                                  Individual Grants                         for Option Term(1)
                                              --------------------------------------------------------    -----------------------
                                                            % of Total
                                                              Options
                                              Number of      Granted to      Exercisable
                                Date of        Options      Employees in     Price Per     Expiration
            Name               Grant(2)        Granted       Fiscal Year       Share(3)       Date             5%           10%
            ----               -------         -------       -----------       -----          ----             --           ---
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>    
Michael J. Brown, Sr.          1/6/97          3,000          66.67%          $34.00         1/6/07         $ 64,140      $162,570
</TABLE>
- --------

(1)  "Potential  Realized  Value" is disclosed in response to the Securities and
     Exchange  commission  rules which require such disclosure for  illustration
     purposes and is based on the difference  between the potential market value
     of shares  issuable upon exercise of such options and the exercise price of
     such options.  The values  disclosed are not intended to be, and should not
     be interpreted by stockholders as, representations or projections of future
     value of Bancorp's Common Stock or Bancshares' Common Stock or of the stock
     price. To lend perspective to the illustrative potential realized value, if
     Bancorp's  stock price increased 5% per year for ten years from its closing
     price on Monday, January 6, 1997, $34.00 per share, (disregarding dividends
     and assuming for purposes of the  calculation  a constant  number of shares
     outstanding)  the stock  price at the end of ten years  would be $55.38 per
     share for an increase of $21.38 per share;  and if the stock  increased 10%
     per year over such period, the ending stock price would be $88.19 per share
     for an increase of $54.19 per share. At January 27, 1998, the date  of this
     Prospectus,   the   closing   price   of   Bancorp's   Common   Stock   was
     $65.25.

(2)  2,910 of the options granted on January 6, 1997,  first become  exercisable
     on January 6, 2002.  The remaining 90 options first become  exercisable  on
     January 6, 2003.

(3)  The  exercise  price is equal to the  closing  price on Monday,  January 6,
     1997, or $34.00 per share.


                             -----------------------


                                     97


<PAGE>

         Aggregate  Option  Exercises and Year-End Option Values.  The following
table sets forth the number of shares  acquired on the exercise of stock options
and the aggregate  gains realized on the exercise  during fiscal 1997 by Messrs.
Brown, Bebber,  Bluestone, Fort and Hankle. The table also sets forth the number
of shares covered by  exercisable  and  unexercisable  options held by the named
individuals on September 30, 1997, and the aggregate  gains that would have been
realized had these  options been  exercised on September  30, 1997,  even though
these options were not  exercised,  and the  unexercised  options could not have
been exercised, on September 30, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Shares Acquired
                            On Exercise                           Number of Shares                 Value of Unexercised
                            During Fiscal     Value            Covered by Unexercised                  In-The-Money
       Name                     1997        Realized(1)           Options on 9/30/97              Options As Of 9/30/97(2)
       ----                     ----        -----------      -------------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                             Exercisable       Unexercisable  Exercisable     Unexercisable
                                                             -----------       -------------  -----------     -------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>           <C>             <C>     
Michael J. Brown, Sr .....      4,000        $106,000          22,000             22,800      $1,232,000      $1,164,800
Don W. Bebber ............          0               0           3,176              5,276         177,856         295,456
Robert W. Bluestone ......      2,388          57,312               0              5,276               0         295,456
Albert L. Fort ...........      2,388          82,983               0              5,276               0         295,456
David C. Hankle ..........      1,000          26,500           4,664              5,276         261,184         295,456
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Equals the difference  between the aggregate  exercise price of the options
     exercised and the aggregate  fair market value of the common stock received
     upon exercise computed using the price of the last sale of the common stock
     on the exercise date, as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market.  All options
     exercised had an exercise  price of $10.00 per share.  Mr. Brown  exercised
     4,000 options on April 21, 1997,  when the market price of the common stock
     was $36.50 per share. Mr.  Bluestone  exercised 2,388 options on January 6,
     1997,  when the market price of the common stock was $34.00 per share.  Mr.
     Fort exercised 2,388 options on July 24, 1997, when the market price of the
     common stock was $44.75 per share.  Mr. Hankle  exercised  1,000 options on
     April 15,  1997,  when the market  price of the common stock was $36.50 per
     share.

(2)  Equals the difference  between the aggregate exercise price of such options
     and the  aggregate  fair  market  value of the  common  stock  that will be
     received  upon  exercise,   assuming  such  exercise  occurred  on Tuesday,
     September  30,  1997,  at which date the last sale of the  common  stock as
     quoted on the Nasdaq National Market was at $56.00 per share.

                              --------------------

         Employee Stock Ownership  Plan. In 1994, the Bank  established the ESOP
in connection with the MHC Reorganization for employees age 21 or older who have
at least one year of credited  service with the Bank.  Following the creation of
Bancorp,  investments  in the Bank's common stock by the ESOP were exchanged for
Bancorp Shares.

         In January 1994,  the ESOP  borrowed  $1,498,000  from an  unaffiliated
lender  to  purchase  149,800  shares  of Bank  common  stock  issued in the MHC
Reorganization.  Upon  consummation  of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  the
Bancorp Shares held by the ESOP will be increased pursuant to the Exchange.

         The  ESOP is  administered  by an  unaffiliated  corporate  trustee  in
conjunction with the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee").  The
ESOP trustee must vote all allocated  shares held by the ESOP in accordance with
the instructions of participating  employees.  Shares for which employees do not
give instructions will be voted by the ESOP trustee.

         As part of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  it is anticipated  that
ESOP will  borrow  funds from  Bancshares  to  purchase up to 8.0% of the Common
Stock issued in the Conversion and Reorganization through

                                       98
<PAGE>

the  exercise  of   subscription   rights  under  the  Plan  of  Conversion  and
Reorganization.  It is  anticipated  that  such  loan  will  equal  100%  of the
aggregate  purchase price of Conversion  Stock purchased by the ESOP and will be
at a fixed  interest rate at the  prevailing  prime rate at the time the loan is
made for a term of fifteen  years.  Collateral  for the loan will be  Conversion
Stock purchased by the ESOP. See "PRO FORMA DATA."

         GAAP requires  that any third party  borrowing by the ESOP be reflected
as a liability on Bancshares'  statement of financial condition.  Since the ESOP
is borrowing from  Bancshares,  such obligation is eliminated in  consolidation.
However,  the  cost  of  unallocated  shares  are  treated  as  a  reduction  of
shareholders'  equity.  However,  should the ESOP  purchase new shares of Common
Stock from Bancshares, per share shareholders' equity and per share net earnings
would decrease because of the increase in the number of outstanding shares.

         Common  stock  purchased  by the ESOP with the proceeds of the loan are
held in a loan suspense account and returned on a prorated basis as debt service
payments are made.  Discretionary  contributions to the ESOP and shares released
from the suspense account will be allocated among ESOP participants on the basis
of participants'  compensation as it relates to total participant  compensation.
Employees are fully vested upon completion of five years of service. Credit that
is given for past  service will be  reallocated  among  remaining  participating
employees  and may reduce the amount  contributed  to the ESOP.  Benefits may be
payable upon retirement, early retirement,  disability, death or separation from
service.

         The ESOP is subject to the  requirements of ERISA and the regulation of
IRS and the Department of Labor.

         Other Stock Benefit  Plans.  Bancshares  intends to adopt certain stock
benefit plans  following  consummation  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.
Moreover,  existing stock benefit plans of the Bank will be continued  after the
Conversion and  Reorganization  with the effect that shares of Common Stock will
be issuable pursuant thereto.

         Stock Option  Plan.  The Board of  Directors  of  Bancshares  currently
intends to adopt the Stock Option Plan (the "1998 Plan") and may submit the 1998
Plan to  stockholders at an annual or special meeting of stockholders to be held
at  least  six  months   following  the   consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization.

         The  1998  Plan  will be  designed  to  attract  and  retain  qualified
personnel in key positions, provide directors, officers and key employees with a
proprietary  interest in Bancshares as an incentive to contribute to the success
of  Bancshares,  and reward key employees for  outstanding  performance  and the
attainment of targeted goals.  Options granted under the 1998 Plan may be either
options that qualify under the Code as "incentive  stock options"  (options that
afford  preferable  tax treatment to  recipients  upon  compliance  with certain
restrictions and that do not normally result in tax deductions to the employer),
or options that do not so qualify.  The exercise price of stock options  granted
under the 1998 Plan is required to be a least equal to the fair market value per
share  of the  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.  All  grants  will  be  made  in
consideration of past and future services rendered to the Bank, and in an amount
deemed  appropriate  to encourage  the  continued  retention of the officers and
directors who are considered necessary for the continued success of the Bank.

         The 1998 Plan may  provide for the grant of stock  appreciation  rights
("SARs") at any time,  whether or not the participant  then holds stock options,
granting  the right to  receive  the  excess of the  market  value of the shares
represented  by the SARs on the date  exercised  over the exercise  price.  SARs
generally will be subject to the same terms and  conditions  and  exercisable to
the same extent as stock options. In addition,  SARs generally result in greater
expense to a company's income statement than do options, accounted for under the
intrinsic value method, that are issued at the then-current market value.

         Limited SARs may be granted at the time of, and must be related to, the
grant of a stock  option or SAR.  The exercise of one will reduce to that extent
the number of shares represented by the other.  Limited SARs will be exercisable
only for the 45 days following the  expiration of the tender or exchange  offer,
during  which  period  the  related  stock  option  or SAR will be  exercisable.
However,  no SAR or Limited SAR will be exercisable  by a

                                       99
<PAGE>

10% beneficial  owner,  director or senior officer within six months of the date
of its grant.  Bancshares has no present  intention to grant any SARs or Limited
SARs.

         The  1998  Plan  will  be  administered  the  Bancshares'  Compensation
Committee  which  will  consist  of at least  two  non-employee  directors.  The
Bancshares'  Compensation  Committee  will  select the  recipients  and terms of
awards made  pursuant to the 1998 Plan.  Assuming  the 1998 Plan is submitted to
stockholders  prior to one year following the consummation of the Conversion and
Reorganization, OTS regulations limited the amount of shares that may be awarded
pursuant to such stock-based plans to each individual officer, each non-employee
director,  and all  non-employee  directors  as a group  to 25%,  5%,  and  30%,
respectively,  of the  total  shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  each  such
stock-based  plan.  In addition,  all options  would be required to vest in five
equal annual  installments,  commencing one year from the date of grant, subject
to the continued service of the holder of such option.

         The 1998 Plan is intended to be funded either with shares  purchased in
the open market or with authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock.  The use
of  authorized  but  unissued  shares to fund the 1998  Plan  could  dilute  the
holdings of stockholders  who purchase  Conversion  Stock in the Offerings.  See
"PRO FORMA DATA."

         Recognition Plan.  Bancshares intends to establish the Recognition Plan
in order to provide  employees  and  non-employee  directors  with a proprietary
interest in Bancshares in a manner  designed to encourage such persons to remain
with  Bancshares  and  the  Bank.  The  Recognition   Plan  may  be  subject  to
ratification by stockholders at a meeting to be held not earlier than six months
after the  completion of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  Bancshares  will
contribute  funds to the  Recognition  Plan to enable it to  acquire in the open
market or from  authorized but unissued  shares (with the decision  between open
market or authorized but unissued  shares based on the  Bancshares  future stock
price,  alternative  investment  opportunities  and  capital  needs),  following
stockholder  ratification  of such plan, an amount of stock equal to 4.0% of the
shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion and Reorganization.

         The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation
Committee" of Bancshares will administer the proposed  Recognition  Plan.  Under
the anticipated terms of the proposed Recognition Plan, awards ("Awards") can be
granted to key  employees  and  non-employee  directors in the form of shares of
Common  Stock held by the  Recognition  Plan.  Awards are  non-transferable  and
non-assignable.  In the event the  Recognition  Plan is  submitted  to a vote of
stockholders  prior to one year  following  consummation  of the  Conversion and
Reorganization,  OTS regulations  limit the amount of shares that may be awarded
pursuant to such stock-based plans to each individual officer, each non-employee
director  and  all  non-employee  directors  as a  group  to  25%,  5% and  30%,
respectively,  of the  total  shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  each  such
stock-based plan.

         Pension Plan.  The Bank  provides a  noncontributory,  defined  benefit
pension plan through the Financial Institutions Retirement Fund of White Plains,
New York (the "Pension  Plan") which covers all salaried  employees who have one
year of service with Harbor Federal and have attained  twenty-one  years of age.
An employee is 100% vested in the Pension Plan when he/she  completes five years
of  employment at the Bank.  Employees who reach the age of sixty-five  (65) are
also  100%  vested  in the  Pension  Plan,  regardless  of  completed  years  of
employment.

                                      100
<PAGE>

         The following table  illustrates the annual pension  benefits at age 65
under the most  advantageous  plan  provisions  available  at various  levels of
average annual salary and years of service.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Average
      Salary                   5            10            15           20            25            30            35
     --------              -------       -------       -------      -------      --------      --------       --------
   <S>                    <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>     
     $ 20,000              $ 2,000       $ 4,000       $ 6,000      $ 8,000      $ 10,000      $ 12,000       $ 14,000
     $ 40,000              $ 4,000       $ 8,000       $12,000      $16,000      $ 20,000      $ 24,000       $ 28,000
     $ 60,000              $ 6,000       $12,000       $18,000      $24,000      $ 30,000      $ 36,000       $ 42,000
     $ 80,000              $ 8,000       $16,000       $24,000      $32,000      $ 40,000      $ 48,000       $ 56,000
     $100,000              $10,000       $20,000       $30,000      $40,000      $ 50,000      $ 60,000       $ 70,000
     $125,000              $12,500       $25,000       $37,500      $50,000      $ 62,500      $ 75,000       $ 87,500
     $150,000              $15,000       $30,000       $45,000      $60,000      $ 75,000      $ 90,000       $105,000
</TABLE>


         Normal  retirement  benefits  under  the  Pension  Plan  are  based  on
retirement  at or after age  sixty-five  (65),  with the  amount of the  benefit
dependent on years of service as well as average  annual salary for the five (5)
consecutive years of highest salary during service.  However, the maximum annual
compensation  which may be taken into account under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, for calculating  contributions under qualified defined benefit
plans is currently $150,000.

         As of September 30, 1997, Messrs. Brown, , Bebber,  Bluestone, Fort and
Hankle have 21, 21, 19, 13 and 11 credited years of service, respectively, under
the Pension Plan. All benefits are computed as a  straight-life  annuity and are
not subject to deduction for Social Security.

         Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Program. On September 13, 1995, the
Board of Directors  approved a Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Plan ("SERP")
for President  Brown.  The SERP became effective on that date. The SERP will pay
Mr. Brown an annual  retirement  benefit at age 65 of 75% of his final five year
average  earnings,  less the amount  payable  from the Pension Plan and less the
amount expected to be paid as a Social Security  benefit.  The SERP benefit will
accrue evenly over Mr.  Brown's career so that if Mr. Brown retires or otherwise
terminates his employment  before  attaining age 65, his benefit will be reduced
on a pro rata basis.  In addition,  if Mr. Brown receives his benefit before age
65, such benefit will be subject to a reduction of 3%  multiplied  by the number
of years prior to age 65 that his benefit commences. The SERP is administered by
the  Compensation  Committee.  Payments by Harbor  Federal to fund the SERP were
$113,100 in fiscal 1997.

         Employment Agreement.  The Board of Directors entered into a three-year
employment agreement with President Brown effective January 6, 1994. On November
27, 1996,  the Board voted to approve an extension of this  agreement  effective
January 6, 1997,  with a new initial term to continue  through  January 6, 2000.
During the term of the  agreement,  Mr.  Brown's  salary is equal to the initial
salary plus any increases  which the Board of Directors may authorize  from time
to time. The agreement also provides for  reimbursement  of reasonable  business
expenses,  participation  in the employee benefit programs of Harbor Federal and
in certain other perquisites.

         In the event the Bank terminates  President Brown's  employment without
cause,  he will  receive  a  severance  payment  equal to his  salary,  and will
continue to  participate in the employee  benefit  programs of the Bank, for the
balance of the term of the agreement.  Mr. Brown's  agreement with the Bank also
provides for certain payments in the event of a change of control under the Bank
Change in Control Act of 1978, a merger or consolidation, voluntary dissolution,
or  transfer of all of the Bank's of  Bancshares'  assets and  liabilities.  The
employment  agreement,  while not  specifically  excluding from its coverage the
events encompassed by the Conversion and Reorganization, has been interpreted by
the Board of Directors and Mr. Brown as excluding these events. Accordingly, the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  would not  provide  Mr.  Brown  with any of the
benefits which would  normally be available to him in the event that  Bancshares
or the Bank was acquired by an unaffiliated third party acquiror.  Should one of
these events occur,  the Bank's agreement with Mr. Brown would be assumed by any
acquiring or merging entity.  Further,  in the one-year period  following one of
these events,  the agreement  provides Mr. Brown with certain protection against
termination other than for cause and against a

                                      101
<PAGE>

material  diminution  in his  duties  or  reporting  responsibilities  under the
presumption  that such a change would amount to an  involuntary  termination  of
President Brown's  employment with the Bank. Should one of the enumerated events
occur,  Mr.  Brown would be  entitled to a severance  benefit of three times his
base salary plus the amount of bonuses  received  during the twelve month period
preceding the  involuntary  termination  plus the cost of all benefits which Mr.
Brown was  entitled to in the  twelve-month  period  preceding  the  involuntary
termination,  plus,  at his  election,  the  excess of the fair  value of shares
subject to options held by him over their  exercise  price,  which would then be
cancelled. Total amounts paid to Mr. Brown under this provision of the agreement
with the Bank will not exceed an amount  which is $100 less than three times the
base  amount paid to Mr.  Brown as the term "base  amount" is defined in Section
280G(b)(3)  of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986.  Any  payments  under  the
agreement are also conditioned upon their conformity with the "golden parachute"
provisions of Section 18(k) of the FDI Act.  Under the  employment  agreement of
Mr.  Brown,  the events set forth in the Plan of  Reorganization  are not deemed
events which would require  payments to Mr. Brown,  and would not be affected by
the Plan of Reorganization.

         Change In Control  Agreements.  Upon consummation of the Conversion and
Reorganization,  Bancshares  will enter into Change in Control  Agreements  with
each of Messrs.  Bluestone,  Bebber,  Hankle  and Fort.  These  agreements  will
provide that,  should the officer be terminated by Bancshares or the Bank within
one year  following  a change in control of  Bancshares  or the Bank (other than
termination for cause as defined these  agreements),  he will receive one year's
salary  and  continue  to  participate  in  the  employee  benefit  programs  of
Bancshares  and the  Bank  for  three  months  following  his  termination.  The
aggregate  payments  under these  agreements,  presuming a  termination  not for
cause,  are dependent  upon the  employees'  salary and level of benefits at the
time of a change  in  control.  If all  four (4)  senior  vice  presidents  were
terminated  not for  cause  during  fiscal  1998,  the  total  payment  would be
$467,500.  These  agreements  will have an  initial  three  year term and may be
extended by the Board of Directors.

         Certain Transactions.  The Financial Institutions Reform,  Recovery and
Enforcement  Act of 1989  ("FIRREA")  requires  that all loans or  extensions of
credit to executive  officers and directors  must be made on  substantially  the
same terms, including interest rates and collateral,  as those prevailing at the
time for  comparable  transactions  with the general public and must not involve
more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. In
addition, loans made to a director or an executive officer that exceeded, in the
aggregate, an amount equal to the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the Bank's capital
and surplus, or in any event $500,000, must be approved in advance by a majority
of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.

         Frank H. Fee,  III,  a  director  of  Bancorp  and the Bank,  is also a
director, stockholder and the President of the law firm of Fee & Koblegard, P.A.
which does business under the registered  firm name of Fee,  Koblegard & DeRoss.
In the year ended  September  30,  1997,  the Bank paid this firm  approximately
$150,000 in monthly retainers and extraordinary fees for general legal services.

         Richard K. Davis, a director of the Bank and Bancorp,  is also chairman
of Richard K. Davis Construction Corp. In the year ended September 30, 1997, the
Bank paid this firm a total of $27,057 for a roof on a new branch  facility  and
re-roofing  of an existing  branch  facilities.  Additionally,  Richard K. Davis
Construction  Corporation  is currently  constructing  a new office and drive-in
facility for the Bank. This contract,  worth  $905,499,  was awarded on June 25,
1997. The contract was put out for competitive  bid. The contract was awarded to
Richard K. Davis  Construction  Corporation  because it submitted the lowest bid
for the  contract.  During 1997,  total  payments  related to this contract were
$216,795.

         Prior to Richard N. Bird's nomination,  and subsequent election, to the
Board of Directors of the Bank and Bancorp, Bird Realty Group, Inc. entered into
a listing agreement with the Bank on property known as St. Lucie Crossroads. The
listing  agreement,   which  expires  December  16,  1997,  provides  for  a  3%
commission. The total listing price is $3,895,000. The commission could be up to
6% of the  selling  price if Bird Realty also  becomes  the  selling  broker.  A
commission of $25,000 was paid to  Bird Realty in April, 1997 with regard to the
sale of property  known as the "Route 60" parcel.  The listing  agent was Laurel
Agency, Inc.

                                      102
<PAGE>

         Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider  Participation.   The
Compensation  Committee  consists of Directors  Abernethy,  Enns, and Hellstrom,
none of whom have ever been an officer or employee of the Bank or Bancorp.  None
of the above are members of a  compensation  committee of the Board of Directors
of any company other than Bancorp and the Bank.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliances

         To the  knowledge of the Board and based upon a review of Forms 3 and 4
and amendments  thereto  furnished to the Bank pursuant to Rule 16a-3(e)  during
the fiscal year ended  September 30, 1997, no person who is a director,  officer
or  beneficial  owner of 10% of Bancorp  Common Stock failed to file on a timely
basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act.

                      BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

         The following table sets forth information as of October 31, l997, with
respect to ownership of Bancorp's Common Stock by: (i) Harbor Financial, M.H.C.;
(ii) the Bank's Employee Stock Ownership Plan; (iii) the executive  officers and
directors of the Bank; and (iv) all the directors and executive  officers of the
Bank as a group. The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company,  Bancorp
and Bancshares, as well as both the companies' executive officers, are identical
to those of the Bank. Except for those listed below, and based on the absence of
any filings under Regulation 13D-G with the Securities and Exchange  Commission,
the Bank has no knowledge of any person  (including  any "group" as that term is
used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) who
owns beneficially more than 5% of the Common Stock.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Common Stock
                                                                           Beneficially Owned(1)
                                                                       ----------------------------
                Name                        Title                      Number(2)            Percent
                ----                        -----                      ---------            -------
<S>                               <C>                                  <C>                   <C>   
   Harbor Financial, M.H.C.       N/A                                  2,654,369             53.31%
   Harbor Federal Savings
     Bank Employee
     Stock Ownership Plan         N/A                                    154,841              3.11
   Bruce R. Abernethy, Sr.        Vice Chairman of the Board              55,816(3)(12)       1.12
   Richard N. Bird                Director                                17,089(8)             *
   Michael J. Brown, Sr.          Director, President and Chief
                                    Executive Officer                     86,916(4)           1.75
   Richard K. Davis               Director                                46,112(3)(5)          *
   Edward G. Enns                 Chairman of the Board                   16,251(6)             *
   Frank H. Fee III               Director                                56,742(3)(13)       1.14
   Richard B. Hellstrom           Director                                22,790(7)             *
   Don W. Bebber                  Senior Vice President                   15,255(9)             *
   Robert W. Bluestone            Senior Vice President                   44,556                *
</TABLE>

                                      103
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Common Stock
                                                                           Beneficially Owned(1)
                                                                       ----------------------------
                Name                        Title                      Number(2)            Percent
                ----                        -----                      ---------            -------
<S>                               <C>                                  <C>                   <C>   
   Albert L. Fort                 Senior Vice President                   17,291(10)            *
   David C. Hankle                Senior Vice President                   33,856(11)            *
   Directors and Executive
   Officers as a group (11
     persons)                     N/A                                      412,674           8.29%
</TABLE>

- -----------

(1)  Except as  otherwise  noted,  all  beneficial  ownership is direct and each
     beneficial  owner  exercises  sole  voting  and  investment  power over the
     shares.

(2)  Reflects  information  provided  by these  persons,  filings  made by these
     persons with the Securities and Exchange Commission,  and other information
     known to Bancorp.

(3)  Includes  21,350,  22,900  and  16,200  shares,  respectively,  held by the
     Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of Messrs. Abernethy,
     Davis and Fee.

(4)  Includes  590 shares held by spouse and  currently  exercisable  options to
     purchase  22,000 shares.  Mr. Brown disclaims  beneficial  ownership of 200
     shares held in trust for the benefit of his grandson.

(5)  Includes  10,922 shares held by Richard K. Davis  Construction  Corporation
     Profit Sharing Fund. Does not include 1,750 shares owned by Nancy D. Davis,
     spouse. Richard K. Davis disclaims beneficial ownership of the 1,750 shares
     held by Nancy D. Davis.

(6)  Includes 4,202 shares held by spouse and currently  exercisable  options to
     purchase 6,134 shares.

(7)  Includes 2,000 shares held by spouse.

(8)  Includes 3,490 shares held by spouse.

(9)  Includes  300 shares held by spouse and  currently  exercisable  options to
     purchase 3,176 shares.

(10) Includes 373 shares held by spouse and 50 shares held by son.

(11) Includes 1,400 shares held by spouse and 3,800 shares held as custodian for
     minor children

(12) Includes  706 shares held by spouse and  currently  exercisable  options to
     purchase 9,850 shares.

(13) Includes 500 shares held by spouse.

*    Represents less than 1% of outstanding shares.

                                      104

<PAGE>

           PROPOSED SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

         The  following  table sets forth,  for each of Bancorp's and the Bank's
directors  and  executive  officers,  and for all of the directors and executive
officers  as a  group,  (1) the  number  of  Exchange  Shares  to be  held  upon
consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  based upon their beneficial
ownership  of Bancorp  Common  Stock as of October 31,  1997,  and (2) the total
amount  of Common  Stock to be held  upon  consummation  of the  Conversion  and
Reorganization, in each case assuming that 12,600,000 shares of Conversion Stock
are sold,  which is the midpoint of the Offering Price Range. The purchase limit
of $500,000 includes shares received as Exchange Shares.  Accordingly,  pursuant
to the  policies and  regulations  of the OTS,  none of the  Directors or senior
management   will  be  permitted  to  purchase   stock  in  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization if the maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock are sold. See
"THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION -- Purchase Limitations."


                                                       Total Common Stock
                                                            to be Held
                                                    ------------------------
                                  Number of
                                Exchange Shares      Number of   Percentage
       Name                     to be Held(1)(2)       Shares     of Total
       ----                     ----------------       ------     --------
Bruce R. Abernethy ..........      210,359             210,359       *
Richard N. Bird .............       78,206              78,206       *
Michael J. Brown, Sr ........      306,225             306,225      1.32%
Richard K. Davis ............      211,027             211,027       *
Edward G. Enns ..............       46,299              46,299       *
Frank H. Fee III ............      259,674             259,674      1.12%
Richard B. Hellstrom ........      104,296             104,296       *
Don W. Bebber ...............       55,278              55,278       *
Robert W. Bluestone .........      203,906             203,906       *
Albert L. Fort ..............       79,131              79,131       *
David C. Hankle .............      155,939             155,939       *
                                                                           
All directors and                                                          
executive officers                                                         
as a group (11 persons) .....    1,710,340           1,713,840      7.38%

- ---------

(1)  Excludes  shares  which may be received  upon the  exercise of  outstanding
     exercisable stock options.  Exchange Ratio is 4.5764 at the Midpoint of the
     Offering Price Range.

(2)  Excludes  stock  options and awards to be granted  under  Bancshares'  1998
     Stock  Option  Plan and  Recognition  Plan if such  plans are  approved  by
     stockholders  at an annual or special  meeting of shareholders at least six
     months following the Conversion and Reorganization.  See "MANAGEMENT OF THE
     BANK -- Proposed Benefit Plans."

*    Less than one percent


                                      105


<PAGE>

                        THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION

         The Boards of Directors of the Primary  Parties have  approved the Plan
of Conversion  and  Reorganization,  as has the OTS,  subject to approval by the
members  of the Mutual  Holding  Company  and the  stockholders  of the  Company
entitled to vote on the matter and the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
Such OTS approval,  however, does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement
of the Plan by such agency.

General

         The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company,  Bancorp and the
Bank  adopted the Plan as of September  24,  1997.  An amendment to the Plan was
adopted by the  Boards of the  Mutual  Holding  Company,  Bancorp,  the Bank and
Bancshares on November 5, 1997.  The Plan has been approved by the OTS,  subject
to,  among  other  things,  approval  of the Plan by the  Members  of the Mutual
Holding Company and the Public Stockholders of Bancorp. The Members' Meeting and
the Stockholders' Meeting have been called for this purpose on March 2, 1998.

        The  following is a brief  summary of pertinent  aspects of the Plan and
the Conversion and  Reorganization.  The summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the  provisions of the Plan,  which is available for  inspection at
each branch office of the Bank and at certain  offices of the OTS. The Plan also
is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a  part,  copies  of  which  may be  obtained  from  the  SEC.  See  "ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION."

Purposes of the Conversion and Reorganization

         The Mutual Holding  Company,  as a federally  chartered  mutual holding
company, does not have stockholders and has no authority to issue capital stock.
As a result of the Conversion and Reorganization,  Bancshares will be structured
in the form  used by  holding  companies  of  commercial  banks,  many  business
entities and a growing number of savings institutions.  An important distinction
between the mutual  holding  company form of  organization  and the fully public
form is that, by federal law, a mutual holding  company must always own over 50%
of the common stock of its savings  institution  subsidiary.  Only a minority of
the  subsidiary's  outstanding  stock can be sold to investors.  If the Bank had
undertaken a full conversion to public  ownership in 1994, a much greater amount
of Bank Common Stock would have been offered,  resulting in more stock  offering
proceeds than management  believes could have been effectively  deployed at that
time. High levels of capital might, in the opinion of management,  have exceeded
the available  opportunities in the Bank's market area in early 1994. Management
determined therefore that the amount of capital raised in the MHC Reorganization
was consistent with its capabilities and loan demand in its market at that time.

         Bancorp is a Delaware  corporation  and is the current  holding company
for the Bank owning 100% of the Bank's Common Stock.  Bancorp's shares are owned
by the Mutual Holding  Company  (53.37%) and the Public  Stockholders  (46.63%).
Following the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  Bancorp will cease to exist and
Bancshares will own 100% of the Bank's Common Stock.

         Through the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancshares will become the
stock holding  company of the Bank,  which will complete the  transition to full
public  ownership.  The stock holding company form of organization  will provide
Bancshares  with the ability to diversify  Bancshares'  and the Bank's  business
activities   through   acquisition   of  or  mergers  with  both  stock  savings
institutions and commercial  banks, as well as other  companies.  There has been
significant consolidation in Florida where the Bank conducts its operations, and
although  there  are  no  current  arrangements,   understanding  or  agreements
regarding any such  opportunities,  Bancshares will be in a position (subject to
regulatory  limitations and Bancshares' financial position) to take advantage of
any such  opportunities  that may arise  because of the  increase in its capital
after the Conversion and Reorganization.

                                      106
<PAGE>

         The  Conversion  and  Reorganization  will be  important  to the future
growth and  performance of Bancshares and the Bank by providing a larger capital
base to support the operations of the Bank and Bancshares and by enhancing their
future  access to capital  markets,  ability to diversify  into other  financial
services related activities,  and ability to provide services to the public. The
Conversion and Reorganization will result in increased funds being available for
lending  purposes,  greater  resources  for  expansion of  services,  and better
opportunities for attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Although Bancorp
currently  has the  ability  to raise  additional  capital  through  the sale of
additional shares of Bancorp Common Stock, that ability is limited by the mutual
holding company  structure which,  among other things,  requires that the Mutual
Holding  Company  always  hold a majority of the  outstanding  shares of Bancorp
Common Stock.

         The  Conversion and  Reorganization  also will result in an increase in
the number of  outstanding  shares of Common Stock  following the Conversion and
Reorganization,  as  compared  to the  number  of  outstanding  shares of Public
Bancorp Shares prior to the Conversion and  Reorganization,  which will increase
the likelihood of the development of an active and liquid trading market for the
Common Stock. See "MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK."

         In light of the  foregoing,  the  Boards of  Directors  of the  Primary
Parties believe that the Conversion and  Reorganization is in the best interests
of such companies and their respective stockholders and members.

Description of the Conversion and Reorganization

         On  September  24, 1997,  the Boards of  Directors of Bancorp,  and the
Mutual Holding Company adopted the Plan. It was subsequently amended and adopted
by the Bank and Bancorp on November 5, 1997.  Pursuant to the Plan, Bancorp will
become a federal  holding  company,  then  convert to an interim  federal  stock
savings  bank and merge  with and into the Bank  with the Bank as the  survivor.
Next,  the Mutual  Holding  Company  will  convert to an interim  Federal  stock
savings  bank and merge  with and into the Bank,  pursuant  to which the  Mutual
Holding  Company will cease to exist and the shares of Bancorp Common Stock held
by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled. As a result of the merger of the
Mutual  Holding  Company with and into the Bank,  the Public  Bancorp  Shares be
converted into and become shares of Common Stock. See "--The Exchange Ratio."

         Pursuant  to  OTS  regulations,  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  (including the offering of Conversion Stock in the Offerings, as
described  below) is  conditioned  upon the approval of the Plan by (1) the OTS,
(2) at least a  majority  of the total  number of votes  eligible  to be cast by
Members of the Mutual Holding Company at the Members' Meeting,  and (3) at least
two  thirds  of the  shares  of the  outstanding  Bancorp  Common  Stock  at the
Stockholders'  Meeting.  In addition,  the Primary Parties have  conditioned the
consummation of the Conversion and Reorganization on the approval of the Plan by
at least a  majority  of the votes  cast,  in person or by proxy,  by the Public
Stockholders at the Stockholders' Meeting.

Effects of the Conversion and Reorganization

         General. Prior to the Conversion and Reorganization,  each depositor in
the Bank  has  both a  deposit  account  in the  Bank  and a pro rata  ownership
interest in the net worth of the Mutual  Holding  Company based upon the balance
in  his  account,  which  interest  may  only  be  realized  in the  event  of a
liquidation of the Mutual Holding Company.  However,  this ownership interest is
tied to the  depositor's  account and has no tangible market value separate from
such deposit  account.  A depositor who reduces or closes his account receives a
portion or all of the  balance in the  account  but  nothing  for his  ownership
interest in the net worth of the Mutual  Holding  Company,  which is lost to the
extent that the balance in the account is reduced.

         Consequently,  the  depositors  of the  Bank  normally  have  no way to
realize the value of their  ownership  interest in the Mutual  Holding  Company,
which has  realizable  value only in the unlikely  event that the Mutual Holding
Company is liquidated.  In such event, the depositors of record at that time, as
owners,  would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of the Mutual
Holding Company after other claims are paid.

                                      107
<PAGE>

         Upon  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and   Reorganization  and  the
Offerings,  additional permanent  nonwithdrawable  capital stock will be created
which will represent the ownership of the consolidated net worth of the Company.
The Common Stock of Bancshares  is separate and apart from deposit  accounts and
cannot  be and is not  insured  by the FDIC or any  other  governmental  agency.
Certificates are issued to evidence  ownership of the permanent stock. The stock
certificates are transferable, and therefore, the stock may be sold or traded if
a purchaser  is  available  with no effect on any account the seller may hold in
the Bank.

         Continuity.   While  the   Conversion  and   Reorganization   is  being
accomplished,  the normal business of the Bank of accepting  deposits and making
loans will continue without  interruption.  The Bank will continue to be subject
to regulation by the OTS and the FDIC. After the Conversion and  Reorganization,
the Bank will continue to provide  services for depositors  and borrowers  under
current policies by its present management and staff.

         The  directors  and officers of the Bank and the Company at the time of
the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  will  continue to serve as  directors  and
officers of the Bank after the Conversion and Reorganization.  The directors and
executive  officers of the Company consist of individuals  currently  serving as
directors and executive officers of the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank, and
they generally  will retain their  positions in the Company after the Conversion
and Reorganization.

         Effect on Deposit Accounts.  Under the Plan, each depositor in the Bank
at the time of the Conversion and Reorganization will automatically  continue as
a depositor  after the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  and each such  deposit
account will remain the same with respect to deposit balance,  interest rate and
other  terms,  except to the extent that funds in the account are  withdrawn  to
purchase Conversion Stock to be issued in the Offerings.  Each such account will
continue to be insured by the FDIC to the same  extent as before the  Conversion
and   Reorganization.   Depositors   will   continue  to  hold  their   existing
certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.

         Effects on Loans. No loan outstanding from the Bank will be affected by
the Conversion and Reorganization,  and the amount,  interest rate, maturity and
security for each loan will remain as they were contractually fixed prior to the
Conversion and Reorganization.

         Effect on Voting  Rights of Members.  At present,  all  depositors  and
certain  borrowers  of the Bank are members  of, and have voting  rights in, the
Mutual  Holding  Company as to all matters  requiring  membership  action.  Upon
completion of the  Conversion and  Reorganization  and merger of Bancorp and the
Mutual  Holding  Company  into  the  Bank  and the  acquisition  of the  Bank by
Bancshares, depositors and borrowers will cease to be members and will no longer
be  entitled  to  vote  at  meetings  of  the  Mutual   Holding   Company.   The
reorganization  which created Bancorp vested all voting rights in Bancorp as the
sole  stockholder of the Bank. With the merger of the Mutual Holding Company and
Bancorp into the Bank and the  acquisition  of  Bancshares  of all of the Bank's
shares, exclusive voting rights with respect to Bancshares will be vested in the
holders of Common Stock.

         Tax Effects.  Consummation  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  is
conditioned on prior receipt by the Primary  Parties of rulings or opinions with
regard to federal and Florida  income  taxation which indicate that the adoption
and implementation of the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization set forth herein
will not be taxable  for federal or Florida  income tax  purposes to the Primary
Parties or the Bank's Eligible  Account Holders,  Supplemental  Eligible Account
Holders or Other Members, except as discussed below. See " -- Tax Aspects" below
and "RISK FACTORS."

         Effect on Liquidation  Rights.  If the Mutual  Holding  Company were to
liquidate,  all claims of the Mutual Holding  Company's  creditors would be paid
first.  Thereafter,  if there were any assets  remaining,  members of the Mutual
Holding Company would receive such remaining  assets,  pro rata,  based upon the
deposit  balances in their  deposit  accounts at the Bank  immediately  prior to
liquidation.  In the unlikely  event that the Bank were to  liquidate  after the
Conversion  and  Reorganization,  all claims of  creditors  (including  those of
depositors,  to the extent of the  deposit  balances)  also would be paid first,
followed by distribution of the "liquidation account" to certain depositors (see
"  --  Liquidation  Rights"  below),   with  any  assets  remaining   thereafter
distributed to the

                                      108
<PAGE>

Company as the holder of the Bank's  capital  stock.  Pursuant  to the rules and
regulations of the OTS, a merger, consolidation,  sale of bulk assets or similar
combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be
considered  a  liquidation  for this  purpose  and, in such a  transaction,  the
liquidation   account   would  be  required  to  be  assumed  by  the  surviving
institution.

         Effect on Existing Option Plans. Under the Mid-Tier Reorganization, the
Option Plan and the  Directors'  Option Plan remained  benefit plans of the Bank
with shares of Bancorp Common Stock.  After the  Conversion and  Reorganization,
they would become benefit plans of Bancshares.  As of September 30, 1997,  99.8%
of the  options  available  for grant  under  these  plans had been  granted but
options for 134,298 shares had not yet been exercised.

The Offerings

         Subscription  Offering.  In accordance  with the Plan of Conversion and
Reorganization,  rights to subscribe for the purchase of  Conversion  Stock have
been granted under the Plan of Conversion  and  Reorganization  to the following
persons in the following order of descending  priority:  (i) First Priority,  to
depositors  of the Bank with account  balances of $50.00 or more as of the close
of  business  on July  31,  1996,  ("Eligible  Account  Holders");  (ii)  Second
Priority,  to the ESOP;  (iii) Third  Priority,  to  depositors of the Bank with
account  balances of $50.00 or more as of the close of business on December  31,
1997  ("Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holders");  and (iv)  Fourth  Priority,
Depositors of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date (other than Eligible Account
Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders) and certain borrowers ("Other
Members").  All  subscriptions  received will be subject to the  availability of
Conversion Stock after  satisfaction of all  subscriptions of all persons having
prior  rights  in the  Subscription  Offering  and to the  maximum  and  minimum
purchase  limitations set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization and
as described  below under  "--Limitations  on  Conversion  Stock  Purchases  and
Ownership." All purchase amounts  described below except Priority 2 are purchase
amounts combined with Exchange Shares received by stockholders.

         Priority 1: Eligible  Account Holders (First  Priority).  Each Eligible
Account  Holder  will  receive,   without  payment  therefor,   first  priority,
nontransferable  subscription  rights  to  subscribe  for  in  the  Subscription
Offering up to the greater of (i) the maximum  purchase  limitation  established
for the  Offerings,  (ii)  one-tenth  of 1% of the total  offering  of shares of
Conversion  Stock in the  Subscription  Offering,  or (iii) 15 times the product
(rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number
of  shares  of  Conversion  Stock  offered  in the  Subscription  Offering  by a
fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of the
Eligible  Account  Holder  and  the  denominator  is  the  total  amount  of all
Qualifying  Deposits of all  Eligible  Account  Holders,  subject to the overall
purchase limitations and the overall ownership  limitation.  See "-- Limitations
on Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership."

         If  there  are  not   sufficient   shares   available  to  satisfy  all
subscriptions of Eligible  Account Holders,  shares first may be allocated so as
to permit  each  subscribing  Eligible  Account  Holder to  purchase a number of
shares sufficient to make his total allocation equal to the lesser of the number
of shares subscribed for or 100 shares.  Thereafter,  unallocated  shares may be
allocated to subscribing  Eligible  Account Holders whose  subscriptions  remain
unfilled  in the  proportion  that  the  amounts  of their  respective  eligible
deposits  bear to the  total  amount of  eligible  deposits  of all  subscribing
Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions  remain unfilled,  provided that no
fractional shares shall be issued.  The subscription  rights of Eligible Account
Holders who are also  directors or officers of the Mutual Holding  Company,  the
Company  or  the  Bank  and  their   associates  will  be  subordinated  to  the
subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable
to increased deposits in the year preceding July 31, 1996.

         Priority 2: ESOP  (Second  Priority).  The ESOP will  receive,  without
payment  therefore,  second  priority,  nontransferable  subscription  rights to
purchase,  in  the  aggregate,  up to 10% of the  Conversion  Stock  within  the
Offering  Price  Range,  including  any  increase  in the  number  of  shares of
Conversion  Stock  after the date hereof as a result of an increase of up to 15%
in the  maximum of the  Offering  Price  Range.  The ESOP  currently  intends to
purchase 8% of the shares of Conversion  Stock, or 1,008,000 shares based on the
midpoint of

                                      109
<PAGE>

the Offering Price Range.  Subscriptions by the ESOP will not be aggregated with
shares  of  Conversion  Stock  purchased  directly  by or  which  are  otherwise
attributable to any other participants in the Offerings, including subscriptions
of any of the Bank's directors,  officers,  employees or associates thereof. See
"MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK -- Employee Stock Ownership Plan."

         Priority 3:  Supplemental  Eligible  Account Holders (Third  Priority).
Each  Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holder  will  receive,   without  payment
therefor, third priority,  nontransferable  subscription rights to subscribe for
in the  Subscription  Offering  up to the  greater of (i) the  maximum  purchase
limitation  established  for the  Offerings,  (ii)  one-tenth of 1% of the total
offering of shares of Conversion Stock in the Subscription Offering, or (iii) 15
times  the  product  (rounded  down  to  the  next  whole  number)  obtained  by
multiplying  the  total  number of shares of  Conversion  Stock  offered  in the
Subscription Offering by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the
Qualifying  Deposits  of  the  Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holder  and  the
denominator is the total amount of all Qualifying  Deposits of all  Supplemental
Eligible  Account  Holders,  subject to the  overall  purchase  limitation,  the
overall  ownership  limitations,  and the  availability  of shares of Conversion
Stock for  purchase  after taking into  account the shares of  Conversion  Stock
purchased by Eligible  Account  Holders and the ESOP.  See " --  Limitations  on
Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership."

         If  there  are  not   sufficient   shares   available  to  satisfy  all
subscriptions of Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holders,  shares first will be
allocated so as to permit each subscribing  Supplemental Eligible Account Holder
to purchase a number of shares  sufficient to make his total allocation equal to
the lesser of the number of shares  subscribed  for or 100  shares.  Thereafter,
unallocated  shares  will be  allocated  to  subscribing  Supplemental  Eligible
Account Holders whose  subscriptions  remain unfilled in the proportion that the
amounts  of their  respective  eligible  deposits  bear to the  total  amount of
eligible deposits of all such subscribing  Supplemental Eligible Account Holders
whose subscriptions remain unfilled, provided that no fractional shares shall be
issued.

         Priority 4: Other Members (Fourth  Priority).  To the extent that there
are sufficient shares remaining after  satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible
Account Holders, the ESOP and Supplemental  Eligible Account Holders, each Other
Member will receive, without payment therefor, fourth priority,  nontransferable
subscription  rights  to  subscribe  for  Conversion  Stock in the  Subscription
Offering up to the greater of (i) the maximum  purchase  limitation  established
for the  Offerings or (ii)  one-tenth  of 1% of the total  offering of shares of
Conversion  Stock in the  Subscription  Offering,  in each case  subject  to the
overall  purchase  limitation,   the  overall  ownership  limitation,   and  the
availability  of shares of  Conversion  Stock for  purchase  after  taking  into
account the shares of Conversion  Stock purchased by Eligible  Account  Holders,
the ESOP, and Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holders.  See " -- Limitations on
Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership."

         If sufficient  shares are not available to satisfy all subscriptions of
Other  Members,  available  shares  will  first be  allocated  to the  remaining
subscribing  Other  Members so as to permit  each  subscribing  Other  Member to
purchase  a number  of shares  sufficient  to make his  allocation  equal to the
lesser of the number of shares  subscribed  for or 100 shares.  Thereafter,  any
remaining shares will be allocated among subscribing Other Members on a pro rata
basis in the proportion that each such Other Member's  subscription bears to the
total  subscriptions  of  all  subscribing  Other  Members,   provided  that  no
fractional shares shall be issued.

         Expiration  Date  for  the  Subscription   Offering.  The  Subscription
Offering  will  expire at 12:00 noon,  Florida  Time,  on March 6, 1998,  unless
extended  for up to 45 days or such  additional  periods by the Primary  Parties
with the approval of the OTS. Such  extensions may not be extended  beyond March
6,  2000.  Subscription  rights  that  have  not  been  exercised  prior  to the
Expiration Date will become void.

         The Primary  Parties will not execute orders until at least the minimum
number of shares of Conversion  Stock  (10,710,000  shares) have been subscribed
for or otherwise sold. If all shares have not been subscribed for or sold within
45 days after the  Expiration  Date,  unless such  period is  extended  with the
consent of the OTS, all funds  delivered to the Company and the Bank pursuant to
the  Subscription  Offering will be returned  promptly to the  subscribers  with
interest and all  withdrawal  authorizations  will be canceled.  If an extension
beyond the 45-day

                                      110
<PAGE>

period following the Expiration Date is granted, the Primary Parties will notify
subscribers  of the extension of time and of any rights of subscribers to modify
or rescind their subscriptions.

         Eligible  Public  Stockholders  Offering.  To the extent that there are
sufficient  shares  remaining after  satisfaction of  subscriptions  by Eligible
Account  Holders,  the ESOP,  Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holders and Other
Members,  each Public  Stockholder  as of the  Stockholder  Voting  Record Date,
December  31, 1997  ("Eligible  Public  Stockholders"),  may  submit  orders for
Conversion  Stock  in  the  Offerings  up to  the  maximum  purchase  limitation
established  for the  Community  Offering,  subject to the overall  purchase and
ownership  limitations and the  availability  of shares of Conversion  Stock for
purchase after taking into account the shares of Conversion  Stock  purchased by
Eligible  Account Holders,  the ESOP and Supplemental  Eligible Account Holders.
See " -- Limitations on Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership."

         In the event the Eligible  Public  Stockholders  as of the  Stockholder
Voting Record Date submit orders for a number of shares which, when added to the
shares  subscribed  for by  Eligible  Account  Holders,  the ESOP,  Supplemental
Eligible Account Holders, Other Members and directors, officers and employees of
the Mutual  Holding  Company and the Bank,  is in excess of the total  number of
shares of Conversion  Stock offered in the Offerings,  available  shares will be
allocated among Eligible Public Stockholders as of the Stockholder Voting Record
Date whose  orders are  accepted on a pro rata basis in the same  proportion  as
each  Eligible  Public  Stockholder's  order  bears to the  total  orders of all
Eligible  Public  Stockholders,  provided  that no  fractional  shares  shall be
issued.

         The opportunity to submit orders for shares of Conversion  Stock in the
Eligible Public  Stockholders  Offering  category is subject to the right of the
Primary Parties,  in their sole discretion,  to accept or reject any such orders
in whole or in part for any reason  either at the time of receipt of an order or
as  soon  as  practicable  following  the  completion  of  the  Eligible  Public
Stockholders  Offering.  It should be noted that Eligible Public Stockholders do
not have subscription rights with respect to the Conversion and Reorganization.

         Community  Offering.  To the extent that shares  remain  available  for
purchase after  satisfaction of all  subscriptions  by Eligible Account Holders,
the ESOP, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and Other Members and orders of
Eligible  Public  Stockholders,  the Primary  Parties have  determined  to offer
shares  pursuant  to the Plan to certain  members of the  general  public,  with
preference  given  to the  natural  persons  residing  in the  Local  Community.
Individually,  such persons may purchase,  when  combined with Exchange  Shares,
$500,000  of  Conversion  Stock,  subject  to  overall  purchase  and  ownership
limitations.  See " -- Limitations on Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership."
This amount may be increased at the sole discretion of the Primary Parties.  The
opportunity  to submit  orders for shares of  Conversion  Stock in the Community
Offering category is subject to the right of the Primary Parties,  in their sole
discretion,  to  accept or  reject  any such  orders in whole or in part for any
reason  either  at the time of  receipt  of an  order or as soon as  practicable
following  the  completion  of the  Community  Offering.  All  purchases  in the
Community  Offering  will be  combined  with  Exchange  Shares for  purposes  of
complying  with  the  purchase   limitations  in  the  Plan  of  Conversion  and
Reorganization.

         If there are not sufficient  shares available to fill the orders of the
Subscribers  in the  Community  Offering,  available  shares  of  stock  will be
allocated first to each such  Subscriber  whose order is accepted by the Primary
Parties,  in an amount equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares
ordered by each such Subscriber,  if possible.  Thereafter,  unallocated  shares
will be allocated among the Subscribers  whose orders remain  unsatisfied in the
same  proportion  that the  unfilled  order of each bears to the total  unfilled
orders of all such Subscribers whose order remains unsatisfied. If the orders of
such  Subscribers  are filled,  and there are shares  remaining,  shares will be
allocated  to other  members of the  general  public  who  submit  orders in the
Community  Offering  applying  the  same  allocation  described  above  for such
Subscribers.

                                      111
<PAGE>

Limitations on Conversion Stock Purchases and Ownership

         The Plan includes the following  limitations on the number of shares of
Conversion Stock that may be purchased:

               (1) No less than 25 shares of Conversion  Stock may be purchased,
          to the extent such shares are available;

               (2) The  number  of  shares  of  Conversion  Stock  which  may be
          purchased by any person (or persons  through a single  account) in the
          Subscription  Offering  shall  not  exceed  such  number  of shares of
          Conversion Stock that, when combined with Exchange Shares, shall equal
          $500,000  (or  50,000  shares),  except  for the  ESOP,  which  in the
          aggregate may subscribe for up to 10% of the Conversion Stock.

               (3) The  number  of  shares  of  Conversion  Stock  which  may be
          purchased by any person, in the Subscription Offering, Eligible Public
          Stockholders'  Offering or the Community  Offering  combined shall not
          exceed such  number of shares of  Conversion  Stock that  shall,  when
          combined  with  Exchange  Shares,  equal  $500,000 (or 50,000 shares).

               (4) Except for  Tax-Qualified  Employee Stock Benefit Plans,  the
          maximum  amount  of  Conversion  Stock  that may be  purchased  in all
          categories in the Conversion and Reorganization by any person together
          with any  associate  or group of persons  acting in concert, shall not
          exceed such number of shares of  Conversion  Stock as shall equal when
          combined with Exchange Shares, $4.75 million (or 475,000 shares).

               (5) No more  than 25% of the total  number of shares  sold in the
          Offerings,  when combined with  Exchange  Shares,  may be purchased by
          directors  and officers of the Primary  Parties and the Bank and their
          associates in the aggregate, excluding purchases by the ESOP.

         Subject to any required  regulatory  approval and the  requirements  of
applicable laws and regulations,  but without further approval of the Members of
the Mutual Holding  Company or the  Stockholders  of Bancorp or Bancshares,  the
purchase  limitations in (2), (3) and (4) above may be decreased,  or increased,
up to a maximum of 5% of the total  shares of  Conversion  Stock to be issued in
the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  at the  sole  discretion  of the  Primary
Parties. If such amounts are increased,  subscribers for the maximum amount will
be, and certain other large  subscribers  in the sole  discretion of the Primary
Parties may be, given the opportunity to increase their  subscriptions up to the
then applicable limit.

         In the event of an increase in the total number of shares of Conversion
Stock offered in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  due to an increase in the
maximum of the Offering Price Range of up to 15% (the "Adjusted  Maximum"),  the
new total number of shares will be allocated in the following  order of priority
in  accordance  with the Plan:  (i) to fill the ESOP's order of up to a total of
8.0% of the  Adjusted  Maximum  number of shares  (the  Board of  Directors  has
determined to purchase 8%); (ii) in the event that there is an  oversubscription
by Eligible Account holders to fill their  unfulfilled  subscriptions;  (iii) in
the event that there is an  oversubscription  by Supplemental  Eligible  Account
Holders to fill their unfulfilled subscriptions; (iv) in the event that there is
an  oversubscription  by Other Members to fill their unfulfilled  subscriptions;
(v)  in  the  event  that  there  is  an  oversubscription  by  Eligible  Public
Stockholders,  to  fill  their  unfulfilled  subscriptions;  and  (vi)  to  fill
unfulfilled subscriptions in the Community Offerings.

         The term  "associate,"  when used to indicate a  relationship  with any
person,  is defined to mean (i) a corporation  or  organization  (other than the
Mutual Holding Company,  Bancorp or Bancshares,  a majority-owned  subsidiary of
Bancorp or Bancshares  or the Bank) of which such person is a director,  officer
or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of
any class of equity  securities,  (ii) any trust or other  estate in which  such
person has a substantial  beneficial  interest or as to which such person serves
as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, provided, however, that such term
shall not include any tax qualified employee stock benefit plan of Bancshares or
the Bank in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as
a

                                      112
<PAGE>


trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity,  and (iii) any relative or spouse of
such  person,  or any  relative  of such  spouse,  who has the same home as such
person or who is a director or officer of Bancorp, Bancshares or the Bank or any
of the subsidiaries of the foregoing.

         The term  "resident"  as used herein  means any person who, on the date
designated  for that category of subscriber in the Plan,  maintained a bona fide
residence  within the Local  Community  and has  manifested  or intent to remain
within  the Local  Community  for a period  of time.  The  designated  dates for
Eligible  Account  Holders,  Supplemental  Eligible  Account  Holders  and Other
Members  are  July  31,  1996,   December  31,  1997,  and  December  31,  1998,
respectively.  To the  extent  the  person is a  corporation  or other  business
entity,  the  principal  place of business or  headquarters  shall be within the
Local  Community.  To the  extent the person is a  personal  benefit  plan,  the
circumstances of the beneficiary shall apply with respect to this definition. In
the case of all other benefit plans,  the  circumstances of the trustee shall be
examined  for  purposes  of this  definition.  The  Primary  Parties may utilize
deposit or loan  records of the Bank or such other  evidence  provided  to it to
make a determination as to whether a person is a bona fide resident of the Local
Community.  Subscribers in the Community  Offering who are natural  persons also
will have a purchase preference if they are residents of the Local Community. In
all cases,  however,  such determination  shall be in the sole discretion of the
Bank and shall be determined  on a  case-by-case  basis without  regard to prior
determinations.

Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued

         The Plan of Conversion and  Reorganization  requires that the aggregate
purchase price of the Conversion  Stock must be based on the appraised pro forma
market value of the Mutual Holding Company, Bancorp,  Bancshares and the Bank on
a consolidated  basis,  as determined on the basis of an independent  valuation.
The Primary Parties have retained RP Financial to make such a valuation. For its
services in making such an  appraisal  and any expenses  incurred in  connection
therewith,  RP  Financial  will  receive a maximum of $35,000 plus out of pocket
expenses.  The Primary  Parties have agreed to  indemnify  RP Financial  and its
employees  and  affiliates  against  certain  losses  (including  any  losses in
connection  with claims under the federal  securities  laws)  arising out of its
services as appraiser,  except where RP Financial's  liability  results from its
negligence or bad faith.

         The Independent Valuation has been prepared by RP Financial in reliance
upon the  information  contained in this  Prospectus,  including  the  financial
statements.  RP Financial also considered the following  factors,  among others:
the present and  projected  operating  results and  financial  condition  of the
Primary  Parties  and the  economic  and  demographic  conditions  in the Bank's
existing  market  area:  certain  historical,  financial  and other  information
relating to Bancorp,  Bancshares  and the Bank; a comparative  evaluation of the
operating  and  financial  statistics  of Bancorp with those of other  similarly
situated  publicly traded companies  located in Florida and other regions of the
United States;  the aggregate size of the offering of the Conversion  Stock; the
impact of the Conversion and Reorganization on the Bank's net worth and earnings
potential;  the proposed  dividend  policy of Bancshares  and the Bank;  and the
trading market for Bancorp's Common Stock and securities of comparable companies
and general conditions in the market for such securities.

         The Independent Valuation was prepared based on the assumption that the
aggregate amount of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings would be equal to the
estimated  pro forma  market  value of Bancorp and the Bank,  on a  consolidated
basis,  multiplied by the percentage of the outstanding shares of Bancorp Common
Stock  held by the  Mutual  Holding  Company  as of the  date of the  appraisal,
subject to an adjustment, pursuant to a change in OTS policy, described below in
"-- The Exchange  Ratio." The Independent  Valuation  states that as of December
19,  1997,  the  estimated  pro forma  market  value  ranged  from a minimum  of
$197,310,000 to a maximum of $266,949,000 with a midpoint of $232,130,000. Based
on the  approximately  53.37% of the outstanding  shares of Bancorp Common Stock
held by the  Mutual  Holding  Company  as of the date of the  appraisal  and the
adjustment  described in "-- The Exchange Ratio," the estimated pro forma market
value of the Company was  multiplied  by  approximately  54.28% to determine the
dollar amount of Conversion  Stock to be offered in the Offerings,  which ranges
from a minimum of $107,100,000 to a maximum of $144,900,000,  with a midpoint of
$126,000,000 (the "Offering Price Range").

                                      113
<PAGE>

         The Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties  reviewed RP Financial's
appraisal  report,  including the  methodology  and the  assumptions  used by RP
Financial,  and determined that the Estimated Valuation Range was reasonable and
adequate.  However,  the Boards of Directors of the Primary  Parties are relying
upon the expertise,  experience and  independence  of RP Financial,  and are not
qualified  to  determine  the   appropriateness   of  the   assumptions  or  the
methodology.

         RP Financial's valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as
a  recommendation  of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing such shares.
RP Financial did not  independently  verify the financial  statements  and other
information  provided  by  the  Primary  Parties,  nor  did RP  Financial  value
independently  the assets or  liabilities  of Bancorp or the Bank. The valuation
considers the Primary  Parties as going concerns and should not be considered as
indication of the  liquidation  value of Bancorp,  Bancshares,  the Bank and the
Mutual Holding Company.  Moreover,  because such valuation is necessarily  based
upon the  estimates  and  projections  of a number of matters,  all of which are
subject to change  from time to time,  no  assurance  can be given that  persons
purchasing  Conversion Stock or receiving  Exchange Shares in the Conversion and
Reorganization will thereafter be able to sell such shares at prices at or above
the purchase price per share in the Offerings.

         No sale of shares of  Conversion  Stock or issuance of Exchange  Shares
may be consummated  unless,  prior to such  consummation,  RP Financial confirms
that nothing of a material  nature has occurred  which,  taking into account all
relevant factors,  would cause it to conclude that the aggregate  Purchase Price
is materially  incompatible  with the estimate of the pro forma market value the
Company,  and the Bank on a consolidated  basis.  If such is not the case, a new
Estimated  Valuation  Range may be set, a new Exchange  Ratio may be  determined
based upon the new  Estimated  Valuation  Range,  a new  Subscription,  Eligible
Public Stockholders, Community Offerings may be held or such other action may be
taken as the Primary Parties shall determine and the OTS may permit or require.

         Depending   upon  market  or   financial   conditions   following   the
commencement  of the  Subscription  Offering,  the  total  number  of  shares of
Conversion  Stock to be sold in the  Offerings may be increased by up to 15%, to
16,663,500 shares, without a resolicitation of subscribers.  In the event market
or financial  conditions  change so as to cause the aggregate  purchase price of
the  shares  to  be  below  the  minimum  of  the  Offering  Price  Range  (i.e.
$107,000,000)   or  more  than  15%  above  the  maximum  of  such  range  (i.e.
$166,635,000), purchasers will be resolicited (i.e., permitted to continue their
orders,  in  which  case  they  will  need  to  affirmatively   reconfirm  their
subscriptions  prior to the expiration of the  resolicitation  offering or their
subscription  funds  will be  promptly  refunded  with  interest  at the  Bank's
passbook  rate  of  interest,  or  be  permitted  to  modify  or  rescind  their
subscriptions).  Based upon current  market and financial  conditions and recent
practices and policies of the OTS, in the event  Bancshares  receives orders for
Conversion  Stock in excess of $ 144,900,000  (the maximum of the Offering Price
Range) and up to  $166,635,000  (the  maximum of the Offering  Price  Range,  as
adjusted  by 15%) the  Company  may be  required  by the OTS to accept  all such
orders. No assurances, however, can be made that the Company will receive orders
for  Conversion  Stock in excess of the maximum of the  Offering  Price Range or
that, if such orders are received that all such orders will be accepted.

         An increase in the number of shares of Conversion Stock, as a result of
an  increase  in  the  Independent  Valuation,  would  decrease  a  subscriber's
ownership interest and Bancshares' pro forma net income and stockholders' equity
on a per share basis  while  increasing  pro forma net income and  stockholders'
equity on an aggregate basis.  See "RISK FACTORS -- Possible  Dilutive Effect of
Issuance of Additional Shares" and "PRO FORMA DATA."

         The Appraisal  (including  the  appraisal  report of RP Financial as of
December 19, 1997) has been filed as an exhibit to this  Registration  Statement
and  Application  for  Conversion  of  which  this  Prospectus  is a part and is
available for inspection in the manner set forth under "Additional Information."

                                      114
<PAGE>

The Exchange Ratio

         OTS  regulations  and policy  provide that in a conversion  of a mutual
holding  company to stock  form,  stockholders  other  than the  mutual  holding
company will be entitled to exchange their shares of subsidiary savings bank (or
mid-tier holding company) common stock for common stock of the converted holding
company,  provided that the bank and the mutual holding  company  demonstrate to
the  satisfaction  of the OTS  that  the  basis  for the  exchange  is fair  and
reasonable.  The Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties have determined that
each Public Bancorp Share will on the effective date be automatically  converted
into and  become  the right to receive a number of  Exchange  Shares  determined
pursuant to the Exchange Ratio, which was established in order to ensure that --
after the Conversion and  Reorganization,  subject to an adjustment  required by
the OTS to reflect the Mutual Holding  Company's waiver of certain  dividends in
the amount of $1.9 million out of the aggregate waived dividends of $9.3 million
since the MHC  Reorganization  and a slight adjustment to reflect the receipt of
cash in lieu of fractional  shares -- the  percentage  of the to-be  outstanding
shares of Common  Stock  issued to Public  Stockholders  in  exchange  for their
Public Bancorp Shares will be equal to the percentage of the outstanding  shares
of Bancorp  Common Stock held by Public  Stockholders  immediately  prior to the
Conversion  and  Reorganization.  The  total  number  of  shares  held by Public
Stockholders after the Conversion and  Reorganization  would also be affected by
any purchases by such persons in the Offering.

         Based on the  Independent  Valuation,  the  53.37%  of the  outstanding
shares of the Bancorp Common Stock held by Mutual Holding Company as of the date
of the Independent Valuation, and the Mutual Holding Company's waiver of certain
dividends as described  above which  resulted in an adjustment of  approximately
 .91%, the following table sets forth, based upon the minimum,  midpoint, maximum
and 15% above the maximum of the Estimated  Valuation Range, the following:  (i)
the total number of shares of Conversion  Stock and Exchange Shares to be issued
in the  Conversion and  Reorganization,  (ii) the percentage of the total Common
Stock represented by the Conversion Stock and the Exchange Shares, and (iii) the
Exchange Ratio.  The table assumes that there is no cash paid in lieu of issuing
fractional Exchange Shares.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Conversion Stock                     Exchange              Total Shares
                                    to be Issued                        Shares                of Common
                            ---------------------------      ---------------------------      Stock to be       Exchange
                              Amount            Percent        Amount            Percent      Outstanding         Ratio
                              ------            -------        ------            -------      -----------         -----
<S>                         <C>                  <C>          <C>                  <C>         <C>               <C>   
Minimum                    10,710,000            54.28%        9,021,024          45.72%      19,731,024         3.8899
Midpoint                   12,600,000            54.28        10,612,969          45.72       23,212,969         4.5764
Maximum                    14,490,000            54.28        12,204,915          45.72       26,694,915         5.2629
15% Above Maximum          16,663,500            54.28        14,035,652          45.72       30,699,152         6.0523
</TABLE>

                                   ----------

         Options to purchase  Public  Bancorp Shares will also be converted into
and become options to purchase  Common Stock.  As of the date of this Prospectus
there were  outstanding  options to purchase  134,298  shares of Bancorp  Common
Stock at an average  exercise price of $11.66 per share. The number of shares of
Common Stock to be received  upon  exercise of such  options will be  determined
pursuant to the Exchange  Ratio.  The aggregate  exercise price,  duration,  and
vesting  schedule of such  options  will not be  affected.  If such  options are
exercised prior to the effective date of the Conversion and Reorganization, then
there  will be an  increase  in the number of shares of Common  Stock  issued to
Public Stockholders in the Share Exchange, and a decrease in the Exchange Ratio.
Bancorp has no plans to grant  additional  stock  options prior to the Effective
Date.

Persons in Nonqualified States or Foreign Countries

         The Primary  Parties  will make  reasonable  efforts to comply with the
securities laws of all states in the United States in which persons  entitled to
subscribe for the Common Stock pursuant to the Plan reside. However,

                                      115
<PAGE>

no person will be offered or allowed to purchase any Common Stock under the Plan
if such person  resides in a foreign  country or in a state of the United States
with respect to which any of the following  apply: (i) a small number of persons
otherwise  eligible to subscribe  for shares under the Plan reside in such state
or foreign  country;  (ii) the  granting of  subscription  rights or offering or
selling shares of Common Stock to such persons would require the Bank,  Bancorp,
Bancshares or their  employees to register,  under the  securities  laws of such
state or foreign  country,  as a broker or dealer or to  register  or  otherwise
qualify its securities for sale in such state or foreign country;  or (iii) such
registration  or  qualification  would be  impracticable  for reasons of cost or
otherwise.  No payments  will be made in lieu of the  granting  of  subscription
rights to any such person.

Marketing Arrangements

         The Primary Parties have engaged Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc.
("FBR" or the "Agent") as a financial  advisor and marketing agent in connection
with the Offerings,  and the Agent has agreed to use its best efforts to solicit
subscriptions  and  purchase  orders  for  shares  of  Conversion  Stock  in the
Offerings.  The Agent is a member of National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.  (the "NASD") and a  broker-dealer  which is  registered  with the SEC. The
Agent will provide various services  including,  but not limited to (1) training
and educating the Bank's  employees who will be performing  certain  ministerial
functions in the Offerings  regarding the mechanics and regulatory  requirements
of the stock sales process;  (2) coordinating  the Company's sales efforts;  (3)
soliciting orders for Conversion Stock; and (4) assisting in the solicitation of
proxies of Members  and  Stockholders  for use at the  Members'  Meeting and the
Stockholders' Meeting, respectively. Based upon negotiations between the Primary
Parties and the Agent, the Agent will receive (i) an advisory and management fee
of $50,000 which will be subtracted from the Agent's total fee in (ii) and (iii)
below;  (ii) a marketing  fee equal to .75% of the aggregate  Purchase  Price of
Conversion  Stock sold in the  Subscription  Offering  and the  Eligible  Public
Stockholders  Offering,  except as set forth below; and (iii) a marketing fee of
 .75% of the aggregate  Purchase Price of Conversion  Stock sold in the Community
Offering.  No fees will be paid to the Agent on  subscriptions  by any director,
officer or employee or members of their  immediate  families or by the ESOP. The
Agent  also  will  be  reimbursed  for  its  reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses
(including  legal fees and  expenses)  which are  estimated to be  approximately
$70,000.  The Primary  Parties have agreed to indemnify the Agent for reasonable
costs and expenses  (including  legal fees) incurred in connection  with certain
claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions
contained  in the  offering  material for the Common  Stock,  including  certain
liabilities under the Securities Act.

         Directors and executive officers of the Primary Parties may participate
in the solicitation of offers to purchase  Conversion Stock.  Other employees of
the Bank may participate in the Offerings in ministerial capacities or providing
clerical work in effecting a sales  transaction.  Such other employees have been
instructed not to solicit offers to purchase  Conversion Stock or provide advice
regarding the purchase of Conversion Stock.  Questions of prospective purchasers
will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives. Bancshares
will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange  Act, and sales of  Conversion  Stock
will be  conducted  within  the  requirements  of Rule  3a4-1,  so as to  permit
officers,  directors  and  employees to  participate  in the sale of  Conversion
Stock.  No  officer,  director  or  employee  of the  Primary  Parties  will  be
compensated   in   connection   with  such  person's   solicitations   or  other
participation  in the Offerings or the Exchange by the payment of commissions or
other  remuneration  based either  directly or indirectly on transactions in the
Conversion Stock and Exchange Shares, respectively.

Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Offerings.

         To help ensure that each  purchaser  receives a Prospectus  at least 48
hours before the Expiration  Date in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Exchange
Act, no Prospectus will be mailed any later than five days prior to such date or
hand  delivered  any later than two days prior to such  date.  Execution  of the
order form will confirm receipt or delivery of the Prospectus in accordance with
Rule 15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed with a Prospectus.

         To purchase  shares in the  Offerings,  an executed order form with the
required   payment  for  each  share   subscribed   for,  or  with   appropriate
authorization  for withdrawal  from a deposit  account at the Bank (which may

                                      116
<PAGE>

be given by  completing  the  appropriate  blanks  on the order  form),  must be
received  by the Bank at any of its  offices by 12 noon,  Florida  Time,  on the
Expiration Date. Order forms which are not received by such time or are executed
defectively  or are received  without full  payment (or  appropriate  withdrawal
instructions)  are not  required  to be  accepted.  The Bank is not  required to
accept orders submitted on facsimilied order forms. The Primary Parties have the
right to waive or permit the  correction of  incomplete  or improperly  executed
forms,  but do not represent that they will do so. The waiver of an irregularity
on an order form,  the  allowance by the Primary  Parties of a correction  of an
incomplete or  improperly  executed  order form,  or the  acceptance of an order
after 12 noon on the Expiration  date in no way obligates the Primary Parties to
waive an  irregularity,  allow a correction,  or accept an order with respect to
any  other  order  form.  The  interpretation  by  the  Primary  Parties  of the
acceptability of an order form will be final.  Once received,  an executed order
form may not be  modified,  amended  or  rescinded  without  the  consent of the
Primary  Parties,  unless the Offerings have not been  completed  within 45 days
after the end of the Subscription,  Eligible Public Stockholders,  and Community
Offerings, unless such period has been extended.

         In order to ensure that Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible
Account  Holders and Other  Members are  properly  identified  as to their stock
purchase  priority,  depositors  as of the close of business on the  Eligibility
Record  Date ( July  31,  1996)  or the  Supplemental  Eligibility  Record  Date
(December  31, 1997) must list on the order form all accounts in which they have
an ownership  interest at the applicable  eligibility  date, giving all names in
each account and the account numbers.

         Payment  for  subscriptions  and  orders  may be  made  (i) in  cash if
delivered in person at any office of the Bank,  (ii) by check or money order, or
(iii) by  authorization  of withdrawal from  certificate of deposit  accounts or
IRAs maintained with the Bank. The Primary  Parties,  in their sole  discretion,
may elect not to accept  payment for shares of  Conversion  Stock by wired funds
and there shall be no liability for failure to accept such  payment.  Funds will
be deposited in a  segregated  account at the Bank and interest  will be paid on
funds made by cash, check or money order at the Bank's passbook rate of interest
from the date  payment  is  received  until  completion  or  termination  of the
Conversion and Reorganization. If payment is made by authorization of withdrawal
from  certificate  accounts,  the funds  authorized to be withdrawn  from a Bank
deposit account may continue to accrue  interest at the contractual  rates until
completion or termination of the Conversion and Reorganization,  but a hold will
be placed on such funds,  thereby making them unavailable to the depositor until
completion or termination of the Conversion and Reorganization.

         If a subscriber authorizes the Bank to withdraw the aggregate amount of
the  purchase  price  from a  deposit  account,  the  Bank  will do so as of the
effective  date of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  The Bank may waive any
applicable  penalties for early  withdrawal from  certificate  accounts.  If the
remaining  balance in a  certificate  account is  reduced  below the  applicable
minimum balance  requirement at the time that the funds actually are transferred
under the  authorization,  the  certificate  will be canceled at the time of the
withdrawal, without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn interest at the
passbook rate.

         The ESOP will not be required to pay for the shares  subscribed  for at
the time it subscribes,  but rather may pay for such shares of Conversion  Stock
subscribed for upon  consummation  of the  Offerings,  provided that there is in
force from the time of its subscription  until such time, a loan commitment from
an unrelated  financial  institution or the Company to lend to the ESOP, at such
time, the aggregate purchase price of the shares for which it subscribed.

         A  depositor  interested  in using  his or her IRA  funds  to  purchase
Conversion Stock must do so through a self-directed IRA. Since the Bank does not
offer such  accounts,  it will allow a  depositor  to make a  trustee-to-trustee
transfer of the IRA funds to a trustee offering a self-directed IRA program with
the agreement that such funds will be used to purchase the  Conversion  Stock in
the  Offerings.  There will be no early  withdrawal  or IRS  penalties  for such
transfers.  The new trustee would hold the Conversion  Stock in a  self-directed
account in the same manner as the Bank now holds the  depositor's  IRA funds. An
annual  administrative  fee  may be  payable  to  the  new  trustee.  Depositors
interested  in using funds in a Bank IRA to  purchase  Conversion  Stock  should
contact

                                      117
<PAGE>

the Stock Information Center as soon as possible so that the necessary forms may
be forwarded for execution prior to the Expiration Date.


Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares

         Pursuant  to the  rules and  regulations  of the OTS,  no  person  with
subscription rights may transfer or enter into any agreement or understanding to
transfer the legal or  beneficial  ownership of the  subscription  rights issued
under  the Plan or the  shares  of  Conversion  Stock to be  issued  upon  their
exercise.  Such  rights  may be  exercised  only by the  person to whom they are
granted  and  only  for such  person's  account.  Each  person  exercising  such
subscription  rights will be required to certify that such person is  purchasing
shares  solely  for such  person's  own  account  and that  such  person  has no
agreement  or  understanding  regarding  the sale or  transfer  of such  shares.
Federal  regulations  also  prohibit  any  person  from  offering  or  making an
announcement  of  an  offer  or  intent  to  make  an  offer  to  purchase  such
subscription rights or shares of Conversion Stock prior to the completion of the
Conversion and Reorganization.

         The  Primary  Parties  will  pursue  any and all  legal  and  equitable
remedies in the event they become aware of the transfer of  subscription  rights
and will not honor orders known by them to involve the transfer of such rights.

Liquidation Rights

         In the unlikely  event of a complete  liquidation of the Mutual Holding
Company in its present mutual form, each depositor of the Bank would receive his
pro rata share of any  assets of the  Mutual  Holding  Company  remaining  after
payment  of claims of all  creditors.  Each  depositor's  pro rata share of such
remaining  assets  would be in the same  proportion  as the value of his deposit
account was to the total  value of all deposit  accounts in the Bank at the time
of liquidation. After the Conversion and Reorganization,  each depositor, in the
event of a complete liquidation of the Bank, would have a claim as a creditor of
the same general  priority as the claims of all other  general  creditors of the
Bank.  However,  except as  described  below,  this claim would be solely in the
amount of the balance in the deposit account plus accrued interest.  A depositor
would not have an  interest in the value of assets of the Bank,  or  Bancshares,
above that amount.

         The  Plan  provides  for  the  establishment  by  the  Bank,  upon  the
completion  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  of a special  "liquidation
account" for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and  Supplemental  Eligible
Account Holders in an amount equal to the amount of any dividends  waived by the
Mutual Holding Company plus the greater of 100% of the Bank's retained  earnings
of $34.5  million at September  30, 1992,  the date of the latest  balance sheet
contained in the final offering  circular  utilized in the Bank's initial public
offering  in  the  MHC  Reorganization,  or  (2)  53.37%  of  the  Bank's  total
stockholders'  equity as reflected in its latest balance sheet  contained in the
final Prospectus utilized in the Offerings.  Upon consummation of the Conversion
and  Reorganization,  the Bank will amend its Federal stock charter to provide a
special  liquidation  account.  As of the date of this  Prospectus,  the initial
balance of the liquidation account would be $38.7 million. Each Eligible Account
Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if such person were to continue
to maintain such person's deposit account at the Bank, would be entitled, upon a
complete liquidation of the Bank after the Conversion and Reorganization,  to an
interest in the  liquidation  account prior to any payment to the Company as the
sole  stockholder of the Bank.  Each Eligible  Account  Holder and  Supplemental
Eligible  Account  Holder  would have an initial  interest  in such  liquidation
account for each  deposit  account,  including  passbook  accounts,  transaction
accounts  such  as  checking   accounts,   money  market  deposit  accounts  and
certificates  of deposit,  held in the Bank at the close of business on July 31,
1996 or December 31, 1997, as the case may be. Each Eligible  Account Holder and
Supplemental  Eligible Account Holder will have a pro rata interest in the total
liquidation  account for each of such  person's  deposit  accounts  based on the
proportion  that the balance of each such  deposit  account on the July 31, 1996
eligibility  record  date (or the  December  31, 1997  Supplemental  Eligibility
Record Date, as the case may be) bore to the balance of all deposit  accounts in
the Bank on such date.

         If,  however,  on any  September  30 annual  closing  date of the Bank,
commencing  September 30, 1996 for Eligible Account Holders and on September 30,
1998 for Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the amount

                                      118
<PAGE>

in any deposit  account is less than the amount in such deposit  account on July
31, 1996, or December 31, 1997, as the case may be, or any other annual  closing
date,  then the  interest in the  liquidation  account  relating to such deposit
account  would be  reduced by the  proportion  of any such  reduction,  and such
interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition,  no
interest  in the  liquidation  account  would  ever  be  increased  despite  any
subsequent  increase in the related deposit account.  Any assets remaining after
the above  liquidation  rights of  Eligible  Account  Holders  and  Supplemental
Eligible  Account  Holders are satisfied  would be distributed to the Company as
the sole stockholder of the Bank.

Tax Aspects

         Consummation  of  the  Conversion  and   Reorganization   is  expressly
conditioned  upon prior receipt of either a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of
counsel  with  respect to federal tax effects of the  transaction,  and either a
ruling or an  opinion  with  respect  to Florida  tax laws,  to the effect  that
consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  will not  result  in a
taxable reorganization under the provisions of the applicable codes or otherwise
result in any material  adverse tax  consequences to the Mutual Holding Company,
the Bank, Bancshares or to account holders receiving subscription rights, except
to the extent, if any, that  subscription  rights are deemed to have fair market
value on the date such rights are issued.  This  condition  may not be waived by
the Primary Parties.

         Peabody & Brown, Washington, D.C. ("Counsel"), has issued an opinion to
the Company and the Bank to the effect outlined  below.  The opinions of counsel
are subject to certain assumptions stated therein.  The assumptions include: (i)
that  the Plan of  Conversion  and  Reorganization  has  been  duly and  validly
adopted;  (ii) the Primary  Parties will comply with the Plan of Conversion  and
Reorganization;  (iii) various  representations and warranties of management are
accurate,  complete, true and correct; and (iv) that there were no adverse facts
not present on the face of instruments and documents examined.

     In the opinion of Counsel

          1.   The  transactions  qualify as  statutory  mergers and each merger
               required by the Plan  qualifies  as a  reorganization  within the
               meaning of Section  368(a)(1)(A)  of the Code. The Mutual Holding
               Company,   Bancorp   and  the   Bank   will  be  a  party   to  a
               "reorganization" as defined in Section 368(b) of the Code.

          2.   Interim  Bank  #1  (the  Mutual  Holding  Company  following  its
               conversion  to a federal  stock savings bank) and Interim Bank #2
               (Bancorp  following its conversion to a federal  holding  company
               and then to a federal stock savings bank) will  recognize no gain
               or loss pursuant to the Conversion and Reorganization.

          3.   No gain or loss will be  recognized  by the Bank upon the receipt
               of the assets of Interim  Bank #1 and Interim Bank #2 pursuant to
               the Conversion and Reorganization.

          4.   The  reorganization  of Bancshares as the Holding  Company of the
               Bank qualifies as a reorganization  within the meaning of Section
               368(a)(1)(A) of the Code by virtue of Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the
               Code. Therefore, the Bank, Bancshares, and Interim will each be a
               party to a  reorganization  as defined  in Section  368(b) of the
               Code.

          5.   No gain or loss will be  recognized  by Interim upon the transfer
               of its  assets  to  the  Bank  pursuant  to  the  Conversion  and
               Reorganization.

          6.   No gain or loss will be  recognized  by the Bank upon the receipt
               of the assets of Interim.

          7.   No gain or loss will be recognized by Bancshares upon the receipt
               of Bank Common Stock solely in exchange for Common Stock.

                                      119
<PAGE>

          8.   No gain or loss will be  recognized  by the  Public  Stockholders
               upon the receipt of Common Stock.

          9.   The  basis of the  Common  Stock  to be  received  by the  Public
               Stockholders  will be the same as the basis of the Bancorp Common
               Stock surrendered  before giving effect to any payment of cash in
               lieu of fractional shares.

          10.  The  holding  period of the Common  Stock to be  received  by the
               Public Stockholders will include the holding period of the Common
               Stock, provided that the Common Stock was held as a capital asset
               on the date of the exchange.

          11.  No gain or loss will be recognized by Bancshares upon the sale of
               Common Stock to investors.

          12.  The  Eligible  Account  Holders,  Supplemental  Eligible  Account
               Holders,  and Other Members will recognize gain, if any, upon the
               issuance  to them of: (i)  withdrawable  savings  accounts in the
               Bank  following  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  (ii) Bank
               Liquidation  Accounts,  and  (iii)  nontransferable  subscription
               rights to purchase  Conversion  Stock,  but only to the extent of
               the value, if any, of the subscription rights.

          13.  The tax basis to the holders of Conversion Stock purchased in the
               offerings  will be the  amount  paid  therefor,  and the  holding
               period for such shares will begin on the date of  consummation of
               the offerings if purchased  through the exercise of  subscription
               rights.  If  purchased  in  the  Community   Offering  or  Public
               Stockholder Offering (as such terms are defined in the Plan), the
               holding  period  for such  stock  will begin on the day after the
               date of purchase.

         Furthermore, Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bogarth, P.A.,
Orlando,  Florida,  has  issued an opinion  to the  Company  and the Bank to the
effect that the income tax consequences of the Conversion and Reorganization are
substantially the same under Florida law as they are under the Code.

         The  opinion  states  that  although  case  law and IRS  pronouncements
indicate  otherwise,  it is possible  that the IRS could assert that the overall
plan of the  transactions  contemplated  by the Plan is the  maintenance  of the
Bank's holding company structure and the merger of MHC into Bank. If so, the IRS
could  argue that the "step  transaction"  doctrine  should be  applied  and the
transitory elimination of the holding company structure in Merger #1 (the merger
of Interim Bank #2 with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity)
and the re-creation of the holding company structure in Merger #3 (the merger of
Interim FSB, a subsidiary of Bancshares  with and into the Bank with the Bank as
the  surviving  entity)  should be  ignored  for tax  purposes.  If the IRS were
successful with such an assertion,  the transaction would be treated as a direct
merger of MHC into  Bank  which may not  qualify  as a tax free  reorganization,
resulting in taxable gain to the parties to the transaction.

         However, the case law and the IRS's pronouncements indicate that if two
or more  transactions  carried  out  pursuant to an overall  plan have  economic
significance  independent of each other, the transactions  generally will not be
stepped together. The IRS's most significant pronouncement regarding independent
economic  significance is Rev. Rul. 79-250. In that ruling, the IRS will respect
the transaction if each step demonstrates independent economic significance,  is
not subject to attack as a sham, and was undertaken for valid business  purposes
and not mere avoidance of taxes.

         Counsel notes that the parties to Merger #2 (the merger of Interim Bank
#1 (formerly the Mutual Holding Company) with and into the Bank with the Bank as
the  surviving  entity)  maintain a separate and distinct  business  purpose for
consummating Merger #2 (e.g., allowing for the conversion of the MHC from mutual
to stock form).  Immediately  after the consummation of Merger #2, the Bank will
no longer be  controlled by the MHC but will instead be controlled by its public
stockholders  and that the Bank's capital will be substantially  increased.  The
facts  indicate  that the merger of MHC with and into the Bank will  result in a
real and substantial change in the

                                      120
<PAGE>

form of  ownership  of the Bank that is  sufficient  to conclude  that Merger #2
comports with the underlying purposes and assumptions of a reorganization  under
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

         In  addition,   Counsel  believes  that,   because  the  various  steps
contemplated by the Plan were  necessitated by the requirements of the Office of
Thrift  Supervision,  each of Merger #1,  Merger #2 and Merger #3 has a business
purpose and  independent  significance  and, as a result,  the step  transaction
should not be applied to this transaction.

         The IRS is currently  also  reviewing  the question of whether  certain
downstream  mergers  of a  parent  corporation  into  its  subsidiary,  known as
inversion  transactions,  where a parent and its subsidiary  reverse  positions,
which otherwise qualify for tax-free treatment nevertheless should be treated as
taxable transactions.  Counsel does not believe that the transactions undertaken
pursuant to the Plan should be so treated. Counsel's opinions,  however, are not
binding upon the IRS, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert
a contradictory position.

         The Bank and the Company have also  received a letter from RP Financial
which addresses certain issues surrounding the value of the subscription rights.
The letters states that it is RP's belief, which is not binding on the IRS, that
the  subscription  rights  do not have any  value,  based on the fact  that such
rights are acquired by the recipients without cost, are  nontransferable  and of
short  duration,  and  afford the  recipients  the right  only to  purchase  the
Conversion Stock at a price equal to its estimated fair market value, which will
be the  same  price  as the  Purchase  Price  for  the  unsubscribed  shares  of
Conversion Stock. If the subscription rights granted to eligible subscribers are
deemed to have an  ascertainable  value,  receipt of such rights likely would be
taxable only to those eligible  subscribers who exercise the subscription rights
(either as a capital gain or ordinary  income) in an amount equal to such value,
and the Primary  Parties could  recognize  gain on such  distribution.  Eligible
subscribers  are  encouraged to consult with their own tax advisor as to the tax
consequences  in the event that such  subscription  rights are deemed to have an
ascertainable value.

         Unlike  private  rulings,  an  opinion  of  Counsel  or letter  from RP
Financial  is not  binding  on the  IRS  and the IRS  could  disagree  with  the
conclusions reached therein. In the event of such disagreement,  there can be no
assurance  that the IRS  would  not  prevail  in a  judicial  or  administrative
proceeding.  Management  does not  believe the fact that the IRS has placed this
transaction into a "no rule" area will result in the IRS treating the Conversion
and  the  Reorganization  any  differently  from  similar  transactions  already
completed  for which  the IRS has  issued  private  letter  rulings.  If the IRS
determines that the tax effects of the transaction are to be treated differently
from that  presented in the tax opinion,  the Primary  Parties may be subject to
adverse tax consequences as a result of the Conversion and Reorganization.

Delivery and Exchange of Certificates

         Conversion Stock.  Certificates representing Conversion Stock issued in
connection with the Offerings will be mailed by the Company's transfer agent for
the  Common  Stock to the  persons  entitled  thereto at the  addresses  of such
persons  appearing  on the  stock  order  form for  Conversion  Stock as soon as
practicable  following  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization.  Any
certificates returned as undeliverable will be held by the Company until claimed
by persons legally entitled thereto or otherwise  disposed of in accordance with
applicable  law.  Until  certificates  for  Conversion  Stock are  available and
delivered to subscribers, subscribers may not be able to sell such shares.

         Exchange   Shares.   After   consummation   of   the   Conversion   and
Reorganization,  each holder of a certificate or certificates  evidencing issued
and outstanding  shares of Bancorp Common Stock, or Bank Common Stock, which was
held prior to the Mid-Tier Reorganization and currently represents an equivalent
number of shares of Public Bancorp Shares on the transfer book of Bancorp (other
than the Mutual Holding Company),  shall be entitled to receive a certificate or
certificates  representing  the number of full shares of Common Stock which when
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,  will represent the same percentage  ownership
of Public Bancorp Shares as held prior to the Conversion and Reorganization. The
Transfer or Exchange  Agent shall promptly mail to each

                                      121
<PAGE>

such  holder  of  record  of  Public  Bancorp  Shares   immediately   after  the
consummation  of the  Conversion  and  Reorganization,  a letter of  transmittal
advising the holder of the procedures by which Exchange Shares,  pursuant to the
Exchange Ratio, will be delivered.  The Company's  stockholders need not forward
any Bancorp  Common Stock  certificates  to the Bank or the Transfer Agent until
they receive a transmittal letter.

Required Approvals

         Various  approvals of the OTS are required in order to  consummate  the
Conversion and  Reorganization.  The OTS has approved the Plan of Conversion and
Reorganization,  subject to approval by the Mutual Holding Company's Members and
Bancorp's  Stockholders.  In  addition,   consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  is subject to OTS approval of the  applications  with respect to
the merger of the Mutual Holding Company (following its conversion to an interim
Federal  stock savings  bank) and Bancorp  (following  its adoption of a Federal
stock  charter)  into the  Bank,  with  the Bank  being  the  surviving  entity.
Applications for these approvals, including an application to form Bancshares as
a holding company for the Bank, have been filed and are currently pending. There
can be no assurances  that the  requisite  OTS  approvals  will be received in a
timely  manner,   in  which  event  the   consummation  of  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization may be delayed beyond the expiration of the Offerings.

         Pursuant to OTS regulations,  the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization
also must be approved  by (1) at least a majority  of the total  number of votes
eligible  to be cast by Members of the Mutual  Holding  Company at the  Members'
Meeting,  and (2)  holders of at least  two-thirds  of the  outstanding  Bancorp
Common Stock at the Stockholders' Meeting. In addition, the Primary Parties have
conditioned  the  consummation  of  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  on the
approval of the Plan by at least a majority  of the votes cast,  in person or by
proxy, by the Public Stockholders at the Stockholders' Meeting.

Interpretation and Amendment of the Plan

         To the extent permitted by law, all  interpretations of the Plan by the
Primary  Parties  will be final;  however,  such  interpretations  shall have no
binding  effect on the OTS.  The Plan  provides  that,  if deemed  necessary  or
desirable by the Board of Directors,  the Plan may be  substantively  amended by
the Board of Directors as a result of comments from the OTS or otherwise,  prior
to the  solicitation  of proxies from the members of the Mutual Holding  Company
and at any time  thereafter  with the concurrence of the OTS, except that in the
event that the  regulations  under which the Plan was  adopted  are  liberalized
subsequent  to the approval of the Plan by the OTS and the members of the Mutual
Holding  Company at the special  meeting of members,  the Board of Directors may
amend the Plan to conform to the regulations without further approval of the OTS
or the  members,  to the extent  permitted by law. An amendment to the Plan that
would result in a material  adverse  change in the terms of the  Conversion  and
Reorganization would require a resolicitation. In the event of a resolicitation,
subscriptions for which a confirmation or modification was not received would be
rescinded.  Any  amendment  to the  Plan  regarding  preferences  to  the  Local
Community will not be deemed to be a material change.

Certain  Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Shares After the Conversion and
Reorganization

         All  shares  of  Conversion  Stock  purchased  in  connection  with the
Conversion  and  Reorganization  by a director  or an  executive  officer of the
Primary Parties will be subject to a restriction that the shares may not be sold
for a period of one year following the Conversion and Reorganization,  except in
the event of the death of such  director or  executive  officer or pursuant to a
merger  or  similar  transaction  approved  by the  OTS.  Each  certificate  for
restricted  shares  will  bear a legend  giving  notice of this  restriction  on
transfer,  and  appropriate   stop-transfer   instructions  will  be  issued  to
Bancshares'  transfer agent.  Any shares of Conversion  Stock issued within this
one-year  period as a stock  dividend,  stock split or otherwise with respect to
such restricted  stock will be subject to the same  restrictions.  The directors
and executive officers of Bancshares will also be subject to the insider trading
rules promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act.

                                      122
<PAGE>

         Purchases of Conversion  Stock of  Bancshares  by directors,  executive
officers and their associates during the three-year period following  completion
of the Conversion and Reorganization may be made only through a broker or dealer
registered with the SEC, except with the prior written approval of the OTS. This
restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated  transactions  involving more
than 10% of  Bancshares'  outstanding  Common Stock or to the purchase of Common
Stock pursuant to any  tax-qualified  employee  stock benefit plan,  such as the
ESOP, or by any non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan.

         Pursuant to OTS  regulations,  Bancshares  will generally be prohibited
from  repurchasing  any  shares  of  Common  Stock  within  one  year  following
consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization.  During the second and third
years following  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  Bancshares
may not  repurchase any shares of its Common Stock other than pursuant to (i) an
offer to all  stockholders on a pro rata basis that is approved by the OTS; (ii)
the repurchase of qualifying  shares of a director,  if any; (iii)  purchases in
the open market by a tax-qualified or  non-tax-qualified  employee stock benefit
plan in an amount reasonable and appropriate to fund the plan; or (iv) purchases
that  are part of an  open-market  program  not  involving  more  than 5% of its
outstanding  capital stock during a 12 month period,  if the  repurchases do not
cause the Bank to become  undercapitalized and the Bank provides to the Regional
Director  of the OTS no  later  than  10 days  prior  to the  commencement  of a
repurchase  program written notice  containing a full description of the program
to be undertaken and such program is not  disapproved by the Regional  Director.
However,  the Regional Director has authority to permit  repurchases  during the
first year following  consummation of the Conversion and  Reorganization  and to
permit  repurchases  in excess of 5% during the second and third  years upon the
establishment of exceptional circumstances.

                       COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS
                            IN BANCORP AND BANCSHARES

         General.  The Conversion and Reorganization  involve the elimination of
the Mutual Holding  Company and Bancorp,  and the  substitution of another newly
organized  company also chartered in Delaware.  The resulting  structure will be
more  conventional  in nature in that  Bancshares will be the only entity with a
direct ownership interest in the Bank.  Further,  no mutual holding company will
be present.  The Primary Parties were unable to maintain Bancorp as the owner of
the Bank because of certain regulations and policies of the OTS which prohibited
the merger of the Mutual  Holding  Company  into  Bancorp  in a  conversion  and
reorganization.  Bancshares,  a Delaware corporation and holding company for the
Bank,  will operate  under a charter  nearly  identical to that of Bancorp.  The
material differences are described below.

         Authorized  Capital Stock and Par Value.  Bancorp's  authorized capital
stock currently  consists of 13,000,000  shares of common stock,  par value $.0l
per share and  1,000,000  shares of preferred  stock,  par value $.0l per share.
Bancshares' Certificate of Incorporation  authorizes 70,000,000 shares of Common
Stock,  par value $.10 per share and 10,000,000  shares of Preferred  Stock, par
value $.10 per share.

         Removal of Mutual  Holding  Company  Provisions.  Certain  sections  of
Bancorp's Certificate of Incorporation provide for limitations concerning voting
rights.  These  limitations  are  also  found  in  Bancshares'   Certificate  of
Incorporation.  See "RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF THE COMPANY -- Limitation of
Voting  Rights."  However,  Bancorp's  Certificate of  Incorporation  allows the
Mutual  Holding  Company  to exceed  these  limits.  This  qualification  is not
included in  Bancshares'  Certificate  of  Incorporation  as the Mutual  Holding
Company will not exist after the Conversion and Reorganization.

                                      123
<PAGE>

                   RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF THE COMPANY

         A number of provisions of Bancshares'  Certificate of Incorporation and
bylaws  deal  with  matters  of  corporate  governance  and  certain  rights  of
shareholders.  These  provisions  allow the Board of  Directors  flexibility  to
analyze and consider  corporate  transactions  in order to maximize  benefits to
shareholders.  However,  they may also serve to prevent individual  shareholders
from  participating  in a transaction if the Board does not deem the transaction
to be beneficial to shareholders,  even if individual  shareholders desire to do
so. The  following  discussion  is a general  summary of certain  provisions  of
Bancshares'  Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and certain other statutory
and regulatory  provisions relating to stock ownership and transfers,  the Board
of  Directors  and  business  combinations,  which  might  be  deemed  to have a
potential  "anti-takeover"  effect.  Such  provisions  may  have the  effect  of
rendering  the removal of the current  Board of  Directors  of the Company  more
difficult.  The  following  description  of  certain  of the  provisions  of the
Certificate of  Incorporation  and bylaws of the Company is necessarily  general
and reference  should be made in each case to such  Certificate of Incorporation
and  bylaws,  which  are  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  See  "ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION" for  instructions on how to obtain a copy of these  documents.  The
provisions  discussed  below are identical to those of Bancorp unless  otherwise
noted.

         Limitation  on Voting  Rights.  The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of
Bancshares  provides that in no event shall any record owner of any  outstanding
Common Stock which is beneficially  owned,  directly or indirectly,  by a person
who beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then outstanding  shares of Common
Stock (the  "Limit")  be  entitled  or  permitted  to any vote in respect of the
shares held in excess of the Limit. In addition, for a period of five years from
the completion of the Conversion and  Reorganization,  no person may directly or
indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10%
of any  class of  equity  securities  of  Bancshares.  Beneficial  ownership  is
determined  pursuant  to  Rule  13d-3  of  the  General  Rules  and  Regulations
promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, and includes shares beneficially owned
by such  person or any of his  affiliates  (as  defined  in the  Certificate  of
Incorporation),  shares  which such person or his  affiliates  have the right to
acquire upon the exercise of conversion rights or options and shares as to which
such person and his  affiliates  have or share  investment or voting power,  but
shall not include shares beneficially owned by the benefit plans of the Board or
directors, officers and employees of the Bank or Bancshares as a group or shares
that are subject to a revocable  proxy and that are not  otherwise  beneficially
owned, or deemed by Bancshares to be beneficially  owned, by such person and his
affiliates. The Certificate of Incorporation of Bancshares further provides that
this  provision  limiting  voting rights may only be amended upon the vote of 66
2/3% of the  outstanding  shares of voting  stock  (after  giving  effect to the
limitation on voting rights).

         Board of  Directors.  The  Board of  Directors  of  Bancshares  will be
divided into three classes, each of which shall contain approximately  one-third
of the whole number of members of the Board.  Each class shall serve a staggered
term,  with  approximately  one-third  of the total  number of  directors  being
elected each year.  Bancshares'  Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws provide
that the size of the Board shall be determined  by a majority of the  directors.
The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and the  bylaws  provide  that any  vacancy
occurring in the Board,  including a vacancy resulting from death,  resignation,
retirement,  disqualification,  removal  from  office or other  cause,  shall be
filled for the remainder of the unexpired term exclusively by a majority vote of
the directors then in office.  The  classified  Board is intended to provide for
continuity  of the Board of  Directors  and to make it more  difficult  and time
consuming for a shareholder  group to fully use its voting power to gain control
of the  Board  of  Directors  without  the  consent  of the  incumbent  Board of
Directors of Bancshares. The Certificate of Incorporation of Bancshares provides
that a  director  may be  removed  from  the  Board  of  Directors  prior to the
expiration  of his  term  only  for  cause,  upon  the  vote  of 66  2/3% of the
outstanding shares of voting stock.

         In the  absence  of  these  provisions,  the vote of the  holders  of a
majority of the shares could remove the entire Board, with or without cause, and
replace it with persons of such holders' choice.

         Cumulative Voting,  Special Meetings and Action by Written Consent. The
Certificate  of  Incorporation  does not provide for  cumulative  voting for any
purpose. Moreover, special meetings of shareholders of the Company may be called
only by the Board of Directors of Bancshares.  The Certificate of

                                      124
<PAGE>

Incorporation also provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by
the  shareholders  of the  Company  may be taken  only at an annual  or  special
meeting  and  prohibits  shareholder  action  by  written  consent  in lieu of a
meeting.

         Authorized  Shares.  The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of Bancshares
authorizes  the issuance of  70,000,000  shares of Common  Stock and  10,000,000
shares of preferred stock. See `DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF BANCSHARES." The
shares of Common  Stock and  preferred  stock were  required to be  increased to
enable  sufficient  common stock to be available  to effect the  transmittal  of
Exchange  Shares at the $10 Actual Purchase  Price.  The additional  shares also
provide the Company's Board of Directors with as much flexibility as possible to
effect,  among other transactions,  financings,  acquisitions,  stock dividends,
stock splits and employee stock options.  However,  these additional  authorized
shares may also be used by the Board of Directors  consistent with its fiduciary
duty to deter  future  attempts  to gain  control  of  Bancshares.  The Board of
Directors  also has sole  authority  to  determine  the terms of any one or more
series of Preferred  Stock,  including  voting  rights,  conversion  rates,  and
liquidation  preferences.  As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a
series of Preferred  Stock,  the Board has the power,  to the extent  consistent
with its  fiduciary  duty,  to  issue a series  of  Preferred  Stock to  persons
friendly to management  in order to attempt to block a post-tender  offer merger
or other  transaction by which a third party seeks  control,  and thereby assist
management to retain its position.  Bancshares' Board of Directors currently has
no plans for the  issuance  of  additional  shares  upon the  exercise  of stock
options.

         Shareholder  Vote  Required  to  Approve  Business   Combinations  with
Principal Shareholders.  The Certificate of Incorporation of Bancshares requires
the  approval  of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the  Company's  outstanding
shares of voting stock to approve certain  "Business  Combinations,"  as defined
therein,  and related  transactions.  Under Delaware law, absent this provision,
Business  Combinations,  including  mergers,  consolidations and sales of all or
substantially  all of the  assets of a  corporation  must,  subject  to  certain
exceptions,  be  approved  by the vote of the  holders of only a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of Bancshares and any other affected class of
stock.  Under the  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  at least 66 2/3% approval of
shareholders  is  required  in  connection  with any  transaction  involving  an
Interested Shareholder (as defined below) except (i) in cases where the proposed
transaction  has been  approved in advance by a majority of those members of the
Company's  Board  of  Directors  who  are   unaffiliated   with  the  Interested
Shareholder and were directors prior to the time when the Interested Shareholder
became an  Interested  Shareholder  or (ii) if the  proposed  transaction  meets
certain   conditions  set  forth  therein  which  are  designed  to  afford  the
shareholders a fair price in consideration  for their shares in which case, if a
shareholder  vote is  required,  approval of only a majority of the  outstanding
shares of voting stock would be sufficient. The term "Interested Shareholder" is
defined to include any  individual,  corporation,  partnership  or other  entity
(other than Bancshares or its subsidiary)  which owns  beneficially or controls,
directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of
Bancshares.  This provision of the Certificate of  Incorporation  applies to any
"Business   Combination,"  which  is  defined  to  include  (i)  any  merger  or
consolidation  of the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  with  or  into  any
Interested   Shareholder  or  Affiliate  (as  defined  in  the   Certificate  of
Incorporation) of an Interested  Shareholder;  (ii) any sale,  lease,  exchange,
mortgage,  pledge,  transfer,  or other  disposition  to or with any  Interested
Shareholder or Affiliate of 10% or more of the assets of the Company or combined
assets of the Company and its subsidiary;  (iii) the issuance or transfer to any
Interested Shareholder or its Affiliate by Bancshares (or any subsidiary) of any
securities  of Bancshares  in exchange for any assets,  cash or  securities  the
value of which  equals or  exceeds  10% of the fair  market  value of the Common
Stock of  Bancshares;  (iv) the  adoption  of any  plan for the  liquidation  or
dissolution  of  the  Company  proposed  by  or  on  behalf  of  any  Interested
Shareholder or Affiliate thereof;  and (v) any  reclassification  of securities,
recapitalization,  merger or consolidation of Bancshares which has the effect of
increasing  the  proportionate  share of Common  Stock or any class of equity or
convertible  securities  of  Bancshares  owned  directly  or  indirectly  by  an
Interested Shareholder or Affiliate thereof.

         Amendment of Certificate  of  Incorporation  and Bylaws.  Amendments to
Bancshares'  Certificate of Incorporation must be approved by a majority vote of
its Board of Directors and also by a majority of the  outstanding  shares of its
voting stock; provided, however, that an affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of
the  outstanding  voting  stock  entitled  to vote (after  giving  effect to the
provision limiting voting rights) is required to

                                      125
<PAGE>

amend  or  repeal  certain  provisions  of  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation,
including  those  provisions  limiting  voting  rights,  relating to approval of
certain  business  combinations,   calling  special  meetings,  the  number  and
classification of directors, director and officer indemnification by the Company
and  amendment  of  Bancshares'   bylaws  and   Certificate  of   Incorporation.
Bancshares' bylaws may be amended by its Board of Directors, or by the vote of a
majority of the shares  present in person or by proxy and  entitled to a vote at
any annual or special  meeting except for those  instances where the Certificate
of  Incorporation  requires a vote of 66 2/3% of the total votes  eligible to be
voted at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders for amendment.

         Certain  Bylaw  Provisions.  The Bylaws of  Bancshares  also  require a
shareholder  who intends to nominate a  candidate  for  election to the Board of
Directors,  or to raise new business at a  shareholder  meeting to give at least
120 days advance  notice to the Secretary of the Company.  The notice  provision
requires a  shareholder  who desires to raise new  business  to provide  certain
information  to  Bancshares  concerning  the  nature  of the new  business,  the
shareholder and the shareholder's interest in the business matter.  Similarly, a
shareholder  wishing to  nominate  any person for  election  as a director  must
provide  Bancshares  with  certain  information  concerning  the nominee and the
proposing shareholder.

         Benefit Plans. In addition to the provisions of Bancshares' certificate
and bylaws described above,  certain benefit plans of ours adopted in connection
with  the  Conversion  and  Reorganization  contain  provisions  which  also may
discourage  hostile  takeover  attempts  which  the  boards of  directors  might
conclude  are  not in the  best  interests  for  us or our  stockholders.  For a
description  of the benefit plans and the  provisions of such plans  relating to
changes in control,  see  "MANAGEMENT  OF HARBOR  FEDERAL -- Other Stock Benefit
Plans" and " -- Stock Option Plan

         Regulatory  Restrictions.  A federal  regulation  prohibits  any person
prior to the completion of a conversion from transferring,  or entering into any
agreement or understanding to transfer, the legal or beneficial ownership of the
subscription  rights issued under a plan of conversion or the stock to be issued
upon their  exercise.  This  regulation  also  prohibits any person prior to the
completion of a conversion from offering,  or making an announcement of an offer
or intent to make an offer, to purchase such  subscription  rights or stock. For
three years following conversion,  OTS regulations prohibit any person,  without
the prior approval of the OTS, from acquiring or making an offer to acquire more
than 10% of the stock of any converted savings institution if such person is, or
after  consummation of such  acquisition  would be, the beneficial owner of more
than 10% of such stock.  In the event that any person,  directly or  indirectly,
violates this regulation,  the securities  beneficially  owned by such person in
excess of 10% shall not be counted as shares  entitled  to vote and shall not be
voted by any person or counted as voting  shares in  connection  with any matter
submitted to a vote of stockholders.

         Federal law provides that no company, "directly or indirectly or acting
in concert with one or more  persons,  or through one or more  subsidiaries,  or
through  one  or  more   transactions,"  may  acquire  "control"  of  a  savings
association at any time without the prior approval of the OTS. In addition,  any
company that acquires such control becomes a "savings and loan holding  company"
subject  to  registration,  examination  and  regulation  as a savings  and loan
holding  company.  Control in this context means  ownership  of,  control of, or
holding  proxies  representing  more than 25% of the voting  shares of a savings
association  or the power to control in any manner the election of a majority of
the directors of such institution.

         Federal  law  also  provides  that  no  "person,"  acting  directly  or
indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other persons,  may acquire
control of a savings  association  unless at least 60 days prior written  notice
has  been  given  to the  OTS and the  OTS  has  not  objected  to the  proposed
acquisition.  Control is defined  for this  purpose  as the power,  directly  or
indirectly,  to direct the management or policies of a savings association or to
vote more than 25% of any class of voting  securities of a savings  association.
Under  federal  law (as well as the  regulations  referred  to  below)  the term
"savings   association"   includes   state-chartered   and  federally  chartered
SAIF-insured  institutions,  federally  chartered  savings and loans and savings
banks whose accounts are insured by the FDIC and holding companies thereof.

                                      126
<PAGE>

         Federal  regulations  require  that,  prior to obtaining  control of an
insured institution, a person, other than a company, must give 60 days notice to
the OTS and have received no OTS objection to such acquisition of control, and a
company  must apply for and receive OTS  approval  of the  acquisition.  In this
circumstance, control involves a 25% voting stock test, control in any manner of
the election of a majority of the institution's directors, or a determination by
the OTS that the acquiror has the power to direct,  or directly or indirectly to
exercise a  controlling  influence  over,  the  management  or  policies  of the
institution.  Acquisition of more than 10% of an institution's  voting stock, if
the acquiror also is subject to any one of either "control factors," constitutes
a rebuttable  determination of control under the regulations.  The determination
of control may be rebutted by submission to the OTS, prior to the acquisition of
stock  or  the  occurrence  of any  other  circumstances  giving  rise  to  such
determination,  of a statement setting forth facts and circumstances which would
support a finding that no control relationship will exist and containing certain
undertakings.  The  regulations  provide that persons or companies which acquire
beneficial   ownership  exceeding  10%  or  more  of  any  class  of  a  savings
association's  stock after the effective date of the regulations  must file with
the OTS a certification  that the holder is not in control of such  institution,
is not subject to a rebuttable  determination of control and will take no action
which would result in a  determination  or rebuttable  determination  of control
without prior notice to or approval of the OTS, as applicable.

Delaware Corporate Law

         In addition,  the state of Delaware  has a statute  designed to provide
Delaware  corporations  such as the Company with additional  protection  against
hostile takeovers. The takeover statute, which is codified in Section 203 of the
Delaware  General  Corporation  Law ("Section  203"),  is intended to discourage
certain  takeover  practices  by impeding  the ability of a hostile  acquiror to
engage in certain transactions with the target company.

         In general  Section 203 provides  that a "Person" (as defined  therein)
who owns 15% or more of the outstanding  voting stock of a Delaware  corporation
(an  "Interested  Shareholder")  may not  consummate a merger or other  business
combination  transaction with such corporation at any time during the three-year
period  following the date such "Person" became an Interested  Shareholder.  The
term  "business  combination"  is  defined  broadly  to  cover a wide  range  of
corporate transactions  including mergers, sales of assets,  issuances of stock,
transactions  with  subsidiaries and the receipt of  disproportionate  financial
benefits.

         The statute exempts the following transactions from the requirements of
Section 203: (i) any business  combination if, prior to the date a person became
an Interested  Shareholder,  the Board of Directors approved either the business
combination or the  transaction  which resulted in the  shareholder  becoming an
Interested  Shareholder;  (ii) any business  combination  involving a person who
acquired at least 85% of the  outstanding  voting  stock in the  transaction  in
which he became an Interested Shareholder, with the number of shares outstanding
calculated  without regard to those shares owned by the corporation's  directors
who are also officers and by certain  employee  stock plans;  (iii) any business
combination  with an  Interested  Shareholder  that is  approved by the Board of
Directors and by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding  voting stock not owned by
the Interested  Shareholder;  and (iv) certain  business  combinations  that are
proposed  after the  corporation  had received other  acquisition  proposals and
which are approved or not opposed by a majority of certain continuing members of
the Board of Directors. A corporation may exempt itself from the requirements of
the statute by adopting an  amendment to its  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or
Bylaws  electing  not to be governed by Section  203. At the present  time,  the
Board of Directors does not intend to propose any such amendment.

                   DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF BANCSHARES

         Bancshares  is  authorized  to issue  70,000,000  shares of the  Common
Stock,  $.10 par value per  share,  and  10,000,000  shares of serial  preferred
stock,  $.10 par value per share.  Bancshares  currently  expects to issue up to
26,694,915 shares of Common Stock in the Conversion and Reorganization including
shares to be provided to  shareholders  in the  Exchange.  Therefore,  after the
Conversion and  Reorganization,  the Company expects to have  26,694,915  shares
outstanding .

                                      127
<PAGE>

         Dividends.  Bancshares  can pay  dividends if and when  declared by its
Board of  Directors.  See  "DIVIDEND  POLICY" and  "REGULATION."  The holders of
Common Stock of Bancshares will be entitled to receive and share equally in such
dividends  as may be declared by the Board of  Directors  of  Bancshares  out of
funds legally  available  therefor.  If Bancshares  issues  preferred stock, the
holders  thereof may have a priority  over the holders of the Common  Stock with
respect to dividends.

         Bancshares  does not  intend  to issue any  shares of serial  preferred
stock in the Conversion and  Reorganization,  nor are there any present plans to
issue such preferred  stock  following the Conversion  and  Reorganization.  The
aggregate par value of the issued shares will  constitute the capital account of
the Company.  The balance of the purchase  price will be recorded for accounting
purposes as additional paid-in capital. See  "CAPITALIZATION." The capital stock
of Bancshares will represent  nonwithdrawable capital and will not be insured by
Bancshares, the FDIC, or any other government agency.

Common Stock

         Voting Rights. Each share of Bancshares Common Stock will have the same
relative  rights and will be identical in all respects with every other share of
the Common Stock. The holders of the Common Stock will possess  exclusive voting
rights in Bancshares, except to the extent that shares of serial preferred stock
issued in the future may have voting  rights,  if any. Each holder of the Common
Stock  will be  entitled  to only one vote for each  share held of record on all
matters  submitted  to a vote of  holders  of the  Common  Stock and will not be
permitted to cumulate their votes in the election of Bancshares' directors.

         Upon payment of the purchase  price for the Common Stock all such stock
will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.

         Liquidation.  In the  unlikely  event of the  complete  liquidation  or
dissolution of  Bancshares,  the holders of the Common Stock will be entitled to
receive all assets of the Company available for distribution in cash or in kind,
after payment or provision for payment of (i) all debts and  liabilities  of the
Company (including all deposits with us and accrued interest thereon);  (ii) any
accrued dividend claims;  (iii) liquidation  preferences of any serial preferred
stock  which  may be  issued  in the  future;  and  (iv)  any  interests  in the
liquidation  account  established upon the Conversion and Reorganization for the
benefit of Eligible  Account Holders and  Supplemental  Eligible Account Holders
who continue to have their deposits with the Bank

         Restrictions on Acquisition of the Common Stock.  See  "RESTRICTIONS ON
ACQUISITION  OF THE COMPANY" for a discussion of the  limitations on acquisition
of shares of the Common Stock.

         Other  Characteristics.  Holders  of the  Common  Stock  will  not have
preemptive  rights with  respect to any  additional  shares of the Common  Stock
which may be  issued.  Therefore,  the  Board of  Directors  may sell  shares of
capital  stock of  Bancshares  without  first  offering  such shares to existing
stockholders  of the  Company.  The  Common  Stock  is not  subject  to call for
redemption.

         Issuance of Additional Shares.  Except as disclosed herein,  Bancshares
has no  present  plans,  proposals,  arrangements  or  understandings  to  issue
additional  authorized shares of the Common Stock. In the future, the authorized
but unissued  and  unreserved  shares of the Common Stock will be available  for
general corporate  purposes,  including,  but not limited to, possible issuance:
(i) as stock dividends;  (ii) in connection with mergers or acquisitions;  (iii)
under a cash dividend  reinvestment  or stock purchase plan; (iv) in a public or
private  offering;  or (v) under employee  benefit  plans.  See "RISK FACTORS --
Possible  Dilutive  Effect of 1997 Stock  Options and Effect of Purchases by the
Recognition  Plan and  ESOP"  and "PRO  FORMA  DATA."  Normally  no  stockholder
approval would be required for the issuance of these shares, except as described
herein or as otherwise  required to approve a  transaction  in which  additional
authorized shares of the Common Stock are to be issued.

         For additional information, see "REGULATION -- Limitations on Dividends
and Other Capital  Distributions" with respect to restrictions on the payment of
cash dividends; and "RESTRICTIONS ON

                                      128
<PAGE>

ACQUISITION OF THE COMPANY" for information regarding  restrictions on acquiring
Common Stock of the Company.

Serial Preferred Stock

         None of the 10,000,000  authorized  shares of serial preferred stock of
Bancshares  will be  issued  in the  Conversion  and  Reorganization.  After the
Conversion and Reorganization is completed, the Board of Directors of Bancshares
will be authorized to issue serial  preferred  stock and to fix and state voting
powers, designations, preferences or other special rights of such shares and the
qualifications,  limitations  and  restrictions  thereof,  subject to regulatory
approval  but  without  stockholder  approval.  If and when  issued,  the serial
preferred  stock is  likely to rank  prior to the  Common  Stock as to  dividend
rights,  liquidation  preferences,  or both, and may have full or limited voting
rights. The Board of Directors,  without stockholder approval,  can issue serial
preferred stock with voting and conversion  rights which could adversely  affect
the voting power of the holders of the Common Stock.  The Board of Directors has
no present intention to issue any of the serial preferred stock.

                              LEGAL AND TAX MATTERS

         The legality of the Common Stock will be passed upon for  Bancshares by
Peabody & Brown,  Washington,  D.C. Certain legal matters for FBR will be passed
upon by Luse  Lehman  Gorman  Pomerenk  & Schick,  A  Professional  Corporation,
Washington,  D.C. The federal  income tax  consequences  of the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  have been passed upon by Peabody & Brown,  Washington,  D.C. The
Florida income tax consequences of the Conversion and  Reorganization  have been
passed  upon by Dean,  Mead,  Egerton,  Bloodworth,  Capouano &  Bogarth,  P.A.,
Orlando, Florida

                                     EXPERTS

         The  financial  statements  of  Bancorp  as of and for the years  ended
September 30, 1997,  1996 and 1995 included in this Prospectus have been audited
by KPMG Peat Marwick  LLP,  independent  auditors,  as set forth in their report
appearing herein,  and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

         RP Financial  has consented to the  publication  herein of a summary of
its letters to Bancorp  setting  forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma
market value of the Mutual Holding  Company in the converted form and its belief
concerning  the  value  of  subscription  rights  and to the use of its name and
statements with respect to it appearing in this Prospectus.

                            REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

         Bancorp  Common  Stock of Bancorp is currently  registered  pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act").  Bancorp is  subject  to the  information,  proxy  solicitation,  insider
trading   restrictions,   tender  offer  rules,  periodic  reporting  and  other
requirements  of the SEC under  the  Exchange  Act.  After  the  Conversion  and
Reorganization  the Common Stock will be so registered  and  Bancshares  will be
subject to the same requirements. Bancshares may not deregister the Common Stock
under  the  Exchange  Act for a period of at least  three  years  following  the
Conversion and Reorganization. The Common Stock of Bancshares will be registered
pursuant to Section  12(g) of the  Exchange  Act and will be subject to the same
information,  proxy  solicitation,  insider trading  restrictions,  tender offer
rules,  and period  reporting  requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act as
Bancshares.

                                      129
<PAGE>

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

         Bancshares  has filed with the SEC a Registration  Statement  under the
Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  with respect to the  Conversion  Stock and
Exchange Shares offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the
SEC,  this  Prospectus  does not  contain all the  information  set forth in the
Registration  Statement.  Such information can be examined without charge at the
public  reference  facilities  of the SEC  located  at 450 Fifth  Street,  N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the SEC
at  prescribed  rates.  The SEC  maintains a World Wide Web site on the Internet
that contains  reports,  proxy and information  statements and other information
regarding registrants such as the Company that file electronically with the SEC.
The address of such site is:  http://www.sec.gov.  The  statements  contained in
this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration  Statement describe all material  provisions of such
contracts or other documents.  Nevertheless,  such statements are, of necessity,
brief descriptions thereof and are not necessarily complete; each such statement
is qualified by reference to such contract or document.

         The Mutual Holding Company has filed an Application for Conversion with
the OTS with respect to the Conversion and Reorganization.  Bancshares has filed
an  application  with OTS to become a savings  and loan  holding  company.  This
Prospectus  omits  certain  information  contained in these applications.  These
applications  may be examined at the principal office of the OTS, 1700 G Street,
N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20552, and OTS Southeast Regional Office, 1475 Peachtree
Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309.

                                      130
<PAGE>



                 HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Index to Consolidated Financial Statement



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                          Page
                                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Independent Auditor's Report                                                               F-2

Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition - September 30, 1997 and 1996                F-3

Consolidated Statements of Earnings -  Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996, and           F-4
1995

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended September 30, 1997,          F-5
1996, and 1995

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996, and            F-6
1995

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements                                             F-8


</TABLE>


All schedules are omitted as they are not required or are not applicable or
the required information is shown in the applicable consolidated financial
statements or notes thereto.

Harbor Financial, M.H.C has limited assets and liabilities, other than the
stock of Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc. Accordingly, the financial statements of
Harbor Financial, M.H.C. are omitted due to immateriality.




                                       F-1

<PAGE>


HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES








                         Independent Auditors' Report




Board of Directors
Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
condition of Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc., (formerly Harbor Federal Savings
Bank) and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1997. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Harbor Florida
Bancorp, Inc.'s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Harbor
Florida Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries at September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended September 30, 1997 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.



                                                         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP




West Palm Beach, Florida
November 14, 1997

                                       F-2

<PAGE>




                  HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                   (Dollars in thousands except share data)
           
  September 30, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Assets                                                                     1997          1996
- ------                                                                 -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>        
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions                      $    16,899    $    16,137
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks                                    15,736         16,350
Federal funds sold                                                             250         16,075
Investment securities held to maturity (estimated market value of
  $4,993 in 1997 and $20,016 in 1996)                                        5,000         20,000
Investment securities available for sale (estimated market value of
  $47,553 in 1997 and $33,493 in 1996)                                      47,553         33,493
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity (estimated market value 
  of $178,954 in 1997 and $153,288 in 1996)                                176,854        153,293
Loans held for sale (estimated market value of $144 in 1997 and
  $4,870 in 1996)                                                              141          4,870
Loans, net                                                                 834,270        765,019
Accrued interest receivable                                                  7,033          6,621
Real estate owned                                                            2,314          3,118
Premises and equipment                                                      13,313         10,543
Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                                 7,595          7,158
Goodwill                                                                     3,045          3,587
Other assets                                                                 1,021          1,179
                                                                       -----------    -----------
      Total assets                                                     $ 1,131,024    $ 1,057,443
                                                                       ===========    ===========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Liabilities:
  Deposits                                                             $   911,576    $   851,853
  Short-term borrowings                                                     30,100         25,000
  Long-term debt                                                            70,375         70,674
  Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance                     15,924         15,212
  Income taxes payable                                                         628            962
  Other liabilities                                                          5,619          8,910
                                                                       -----------    -----------
      Total liabilities                                                  1,034,222        972,611
                                                                       ===========    ===========
Commitments and contingencies                                               --             --

Stockholders' Equity:
 Preferred stock; $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none
  issued and outstanding                                                        --             --

 Common stock; $.01 par value; authorized 13,000,000 shares; issued
  and outstanding 4,973,428 shares at September 30, 1997 and 4,934,454
  shares at September 30, 1996                                                  50             49
 Paid-in capital                                                            26,876         25,339
 Retained earnings, substantially restricted                                71,203         60,893
 Common stock purchased by:
  Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)                                        (374)          (674)
  Recognition and retention plans (RRP)                                       --              (53)
  Deferred compensation plan                                                  (946)          (673)
Net unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale,
    net of income taxes                                                         (7)           (49)
                                                                       -----------    -----------
      Total stockholders' equity                                            96,802         84,832
                                                                       -----------    -----------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                       $ 1,131,024    $ 1,057,443
                                                                       ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       F-3


<PAGE>


                 HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      Consolidated Statements of Earnings
                 (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
   
Years ended September 1997, 1996, and 1995

                                                1997       1996        1995
                                              --------   --------    --------
Interest income:
   Loans                                      $ 68,847   $ 59,751    $ 51,050
   Investment securities                         3,866      2,462       2,352
   Mortgage-backed securities                   10,088     10,155       9,613
   Other                                         2,013      1,989       1,869
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Total interest income                     84,814     74,357      64,884
                                              --------   --------    --------
Interest expense:
   Deposits                                     39,144     34,440      29,627
   Other                                         6,015      4,674       3,653
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Total interest expense                    45,159     39,114      33,280
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Net interest income                       39,655     35,243      31,604
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses            782        (76)        460
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Net interest income after provision
        for (recovery of) loan losses           38,873     35,319      31,144
                                              --------   --------    --------

Other income:


   Other fees and service charges                3,308      2,797       2,566
   Income (losses) from real estate operations     145       (301)        (40)
   Gain (loss) on sale of mortgage loans           188        (40)         91
   Other                                           572        429         290
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Total other income                         4,213      2,885       2,907
                                              --------   --------    --------
Other expenses:
   Compensation and employee benefits           11,931     10,690      10,048
   Occupancy                                     3,046      2,632       2,291
   Professional fees                               599        527         699
   SAIF deposit insurance premium                  785      6,300       1,556
   Other                                         4,787      3,983       3,604
                                              --------   --------    --------
      Total other expense                       21,148     24,132      18,198
                                              --------   --------    --------
                                                21,938     14,072      15,853
      Income before income taxes

Income tax expense                               8,611      5,432       5,958
                                              --------   --------    --------
   Net income                                 $ 13,327   $  8,640    $  9,895
                                              ========   ========    ========
   Net income per share                       $   2.66   $   1.75    $   2.03
                                              ========   ========    ========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       F-4


<PAGE>



  
                 HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                            (Dollars in thousands)
  
Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Common stock      Unrealized
                                                                Common        Common     purchased by    gain (loss) on
                                                                 stock         stock       deferred        securities
                                 Common  Paid-in   Retained  purchased by    purchased  compensation       available
                                 stock   capital   earnings      ESOP        by RRP's        plan         for sale, net    Total
                                  ---    -------   --------  ------------    ---------  -------------    --------------    ----- 
<S>                              <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>    
Balance at September 30, 1994     $49    $23,975    $46,416    $(1,273)       $(481)         $(435)            $ -        $68,251
                                                                                                                        
Net income                          -          -      9,895           -            -              -              -          9,895
                                                                                                                        
Stock options exercised             -        168          -           -            -              -              -            168
                                                                                                                        
Amortization of award of ESOP                                                                                           
and RRP's                           -        264          -         299          214              -              -            777
                                                                                                                        
Tax benefit of RRP's                -         48          -           -            -              -              -             48
                                                                                                                        
Dividends paid                      -          -    (1,639)           -            -              -              -        (1,639)
                                  ---    -------    -------      -----        -----          -----           ----         -------
Balance at September 30,  1995    $49    $24,455    $54,672      $(974)       $(267)         $(435)            $ -        $77,500
                                  ---    -------    -------      -----        -----          -----           ----         -------
Net income                          -          -      8,640           -            -              -              -          8,640
                                                                                                                        
Stock options exercised             -        234          -           -            -              -              -            234
                                                                                                                        
Amortization of award of ESOP                                                                                           
and RRP's                           -        482          -         300          214              -              -            996
                                                                                                                        
Tax benefit of RRP's                -        137          -           -            -              -              -            137
                                                                                                                        
Dividends paid                      -          -    (2,419)           -            -              -              -        (2,419)
                                                                                                                        
Unrealized gain on securities                                                                                           
available for sale, net             -          -          -           -            -              -            126            126
                                                                                                                        
Change in unrealized gain                                                                                               
(loss) on securities                                                                                                    
available for sale, net             -          -          -           -            -              -          (175)          (175)
                                                                                                                        
Tax benefit of non- qualified                                                                                           
stock options                       -         31          -           -            -              -              -             31
                                                                                                                        
Stock purchased by  deferred                                                                                            
compensation  plan                  -          -          -           -            -          (238)              -          (238)
                                  ---    -------    -------      -----        -----          -----           ----         -------
Balance at September 30,  1996    $49    $25,339    $60,893      $(674)       $( 53)         $(673)          $(49)        $84,832
                                  ---    -------    -------      -----        -----          -----           ----         -------
                                                                                                                        
Net income                          -          -     13,327           -            -              -              -         13,327
                                                                                                                        
Stock options exercised             1        389          -           -            -              -              -            390
                                                                                                                        
Amortization of award of ESOP       -        856          -         300           53              -              -          1,209
and RRP's                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                        
Tax benefit of RRP's                -        193          -           -            -              -              -            193
                                                                                                                        
Dividends paid                      -          -    (3,017)           -            -              -              -        (3,017)
                                                                                                                        
Change in unrealized gain           -          -          -           -            -              -             42             42
(loss) on securities                                                                                                    
available for sale, net                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                        
Tax benefit of non- qualified       -         99          -           -            -              -              -             99
stock options                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                        
Stock purchased by  deferred        -          -          -           -            -          (273)              -          (273)
compensation  plan                                                                                                      
                                  ===    =======    =======      =====           ===         =====            ===         =======
Balance at September 30, 1997     $50    $26,876    $71,203      $(374)          $ -         $(946)           $(7)        $96,802
                                  ===    =======    =======      =====           ===         =====            ===         =======

</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       F-5


<PAGE>  

                 HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                            (Dollars in thousands)

Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                                --------    --------    --------

<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>   
Cash provided by operating activities:
   Net income                                                     13,327       8,640    $  9,895
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
      provided by operating activities:
      Amortization of stock benefit plans                          1,209         996         777
      Tax benefit of stock plans credited to capital                 292         168          48
      Originations of loans held for sale                         (5,360)     (8,554)     (9,929)
      Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale                    8,395       4,693       8,945
      Depreciation and amortization                                1,103       1,104       1,017
      Deferred income tax provision (benefit)                      1,781      (1,365)      1,559
      Increase in deferred loan fees and costs                     1,133       1,047         881
      Amortization of deferred loan fees and costs                  (926)       (973)     (1,090)
      Amortization of goodwill                                       236          71        --
      Net accretion of other purchase accounting
         adjustments                                                 (12)        (20)       --
      Gain on sale of premises and equipment                        (239)       --          --
      (Gain) loss on sale of real estate owned                      (127)         39        (180)
      Accretion of discount on purchased loans                       (17)        (24)       (258)
      Increase in accrued interest receivable                       (411)       (184)     (1,277)
      Provision for (recovery of) loan losses                        782         (76)        460
      Provision for (recovery of) losses on real estate owned       (150)        117          35
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                            157        (143)         70
      Increase (decrease)  in income taxes payable                  (334)        469         267
      Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                    (5,098)      4,178        (165)
                                                                --------    --------    --------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                   15,741      10,183      11,055
                                                                --------    --------    --------


Cash used by investing activities:
   Net increase in loans                                         (69,732)    (72,973)    (55,545)
   Purchase of mortgage-backed securities                        (61,769)    (29,265)    (65,609)
   Proceeds from principal repayments of mortgage-backed
      securities                                                  38,031      40,068      20,780
   Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held
      to maturity                                                 35,000        --        25,042
   Purchase of investment securities held to maturity            (20,000)    (20,000)    (10,000)
   Proceeds from maturities of investment securities
      available for sale                                          15,533      10,595        --
   Proceeds from sale of investment securities available
      for sale                                                      --         6,745        --
   Purchase of investment securities available for sale          (29,500)    (17,939)       --
   Proceeds from sale of real estate owned                         2,202       1,434       2,022
   Purchase of premises and equipment                             (4,068)     (1,423)     (2,020)
   Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                      587       1,590         180
   FHLB stock purchase                                              (437)       (619)       (706)
   Purchase of Treasure Coast Bank, net of cash acquired            --        (4,451)       --
   Other                                                             306        --          --
                                                                --------    --------    --------
      Net cash used by investing activities                      (93,847)    (86,238)    (85,856)                        
</TABLE>

                                       F-6


<PAGE>


                 HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                            (Dollars in thousands)

Years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                                --------    --------    --------

<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>    
Cash provided by financing activities:
   Net increase in deposits                                       59,816      60,679      47,152                
   Net proceeds from short-term borrowings                         5,100      15,000        --
   Repayments of long-term borrowings                               (299)       (300)       (300)
   Net proceeds from long-term borrowings                           --        15,000      20,000
   Increase (decrease) in advance payments by                  
      borrowers for taxes and insurance                              712      (1,995)        697
   Stock dividend paid                                            (3,017)     (2,419)     (1,639)
   Common stock options exercised                                    390         235         168
   Purchase of common stock by deferred                        
      compensation plan                                             (273)       (238)       --
                                                                --------    --------    --------
         Net cash provided by financing activities                62,429      85,962      66,078
                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
         Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash              
              equivalents                                        (15,677)      9,907      (8,723)
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period                   48,562      38,655      47,378
                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period                       $ 32,885    $ 48,562    $ 38,655
                                                                ========    ========    ========
                                                               
                                                               
Supplemental disclosures:                                      
   Cash paid for:                                              
      Interest                                                  $ 45,159    $ 39,324    $ 33,228
      Taxes                                                        6,918       6,161       4,114
                                                               
Noncash investing and financing activities:      
              
   Additions to real estate acquired in settlement             
      of loans through foreclosure                                 2,459       2,879       1,312
                                                               
   Sale of real estate owned financed by the                   
      Company                                                      1,337       1,044         658

   Transfer of investment securities from held to              
      maturity to available for sale                                --        26,011        --
                                                               
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities              
      available for sale                                              68         (79)       --
                                                               
   Change in deferred taxes related to securities              
      available for sale                                             (26)         29        --
                                                               
   Transfer of loans held for sale to held for                 
      maturity                                                     1,693        --          --                                    
</TABLE>                                                        
                                                    
         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       F-7

<PAGE>


                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      September 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Reorganization

On June 25, 1997, Harbor Federal Savings Bank (the "Bank") completed its
reorganization into the two-tier form of mutual holding company ownership.
Pursuant to the reorganization, the Bank is now the wholly owned subsidiary of
Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation. The
Company is the majority owned subsidiary of Harbor Financial, M.H.C. (The
"Holding Company"). Pursuant to the reorganization, each share of the Bank's
outstanding common stock was automatically converted into one share of the
Company's common stock. The reorganization was accounted for in a manner
similar to a pooling of interests and did not result in any significant
accounting adjustments. The consolidated financial statements for prior
periods have been restated to reflect the change in the par value of the
Company's common stock from $1.00 to $.01 per share. Certain conditions were
imposed upon the Company by the OTS as part of the reorganization, including
requirements to obtain a federal charter, provisions related to minority stock
issuances, and other regulatory requirements.

The Company conducts no business other than holding the common stock of the
Bank. Consequently, its net income is derived from the Bank.

(b) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. In
consolidation, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of
the statement of financial condition and revenues and expenses for the period.
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in
the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and
the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in
satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowances
for loan losses and real estate owned, management obtains independent
appraisals for significant properties.

As of September 30, 1997, substantially all of the Company's loans and
investment in real estate owned are secured by real estate in the counties in
which the Company has branch facilities: St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard,
Martin and Volusia Counties, Florida. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility
of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio and the recovery of a
substantial portion of the carrying amount of real estate owned are
susceptible to changes in market conditions in the above counties. Management
believes that the allowances for losses on loans and real estate owned are
adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on
loans and real estate owned, future additions to the allowances may be
necessary based on changes in economic conditions, particularly in the above
counties. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of
their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowances for
losses on loans and real estate owned. Such agencies may require the Company
to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about
information available to them at the time of their examination.

(c) Loan Origination and Commitment Fees and Related Costs

Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net
fee is recognized in income using the interest method over the contractual
life of the loans. Commitment fees and costs relating to commitments whose
likelihood of exercise is remote are recognized over the commitment period on
a straight-line basis. If the commitment is subsequently exercised during the
commitment period, the remaining unamortized commitment fee at the time of
exercise is recognized over the life of the loan as an adjustment of yield.

                                       F-8

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(d) Loan Interest Income

The Company reverses accrued interest related to loans which are 90 days or
more delinquent or placed on non-accrual status. Such interest is recorded as
income when collected. Amortization of net deferred loans fees and accretion
of discounts are discontinued for loans that are 90 days or more delinquent.
Interest income on impaired loans is recognized on an accrual basis unless 
designated nonaccrual as noted above.

(e) Investment and Mortgage Backed Securities

Bonds, notes, and other debt securities for which the Company has the positive
intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for
premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the
interest method over the period to maturity.

Available-for-sale securities consist of bonds, notes, other debt securities
and certain equity securities not classified as trading securities nor as
held-to-maturity securities. Available-for- sale securities include securities
that are being held for an unspecified period of time, such as those the
Company would consider selling to meet liquidity needs or as part of the
Company's risk management program. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of
tax, on available-for-sale securities are reported as a net amount in a
separate component of stockholders' equity until realized.


Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined
using the specific-identification method.

Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity and
available-for-sale securities below their cost that are other than temporary
result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The
related write-downs are included in earnings as realized losses.

On November 15, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Special Report No. 155-B, "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", (the
"Special Report"). Pursuant to the Special Report, the Company was permitted
to conduct a one-time reassessment of the classification of all securities
held at that time. Any reclassification from the held-to-maturity category
made in conjunction with that reassessment would not call into question an
enterprise's intent to hold other debt securities to maturity in the future.
The Company undertook such a reassessment and, effective December 31, 1995,
all investment securities were reclassified as available for sale. On the
effective date of the reclassification, the securities transferred had a
carrying value of $25.8 million and an estimated fair value of $26.0 million,
resulting in a net increase to stockholders' equity for the net unrealized
appreciation of $126,000, after deducting applicable income taxes of $76,000.

Prior to October 1, 1994, investment and mortgage-backed securities were
carried at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that were recognized in
interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

The Company does not purchase, sell or utilize off-balance sheet derivative
financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.

At September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company had no commitments to sell
investment or mortgage-backed securities.

<PAGE>

(f) Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are stated at unpaid principal balances, less loans in
process, the allowances for loan losses and net deferred loan origination fees
and discounts.

Discounts on mortgage loans are amortized to income using the interest method
over the remaining period to contractual maturity.

The Company follows a consistent procedural discipline and accounts for loan
loss contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies" (Statement 5). The following
is a description of how each portion of the allowance for loan losses is
determined.

The Company segregates the loan portfolio for loan loss purposes into the
following broad segments such as: commercial real estate; residential real
estate; commercial business; and consumer loan. The Company provides for a
general allowance for losses inherent in the portfolio by the above
categories, which consists of two components. General loss percentages are
calculated based upon historical analyses. A supplemental portion of the
allowance is calculated for inherent losses which probably exist as of the
evaluation date even though they might not have been identified by the more
objective processes used for the portion of the allowance described above.
This is due to the risk of error and/or inherent imprecision in the process.
This portion of the allowance is particularly subjective and requires
judgments based on qualitative factors which do not lend themselves to exact
mathematical calculations such as: trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;
migration trends in the portfolio; trends in volume, terms, and portfolio mix;
new credit products and/or changes in the geographic distribution of those
products; changes in lending policies and procedures; loan review reports on
the efficacy of the risk identification process; changes in the outlook for
local, regional and national economic conditions; concentrations of credit;
and peer group comparisons.



                                       F-9

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Specific allowances are provided in the event that the specific collateral
analysis on each classified loan indicates that the probable loss upon
liquidation of collateral would be in excess of the general percentage
allocation. The provision for loan loss is debited or credited in order to
state the allowance for loan losses to the required level as determined above.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the
Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and
interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a
loan is impaired, the Company may measure impairment based on (a) the present
value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the
loan's original effective interest rate, (b) the observable market price of
the impaired loans, or (c) the fair value of the collateral of a
collateral-dependent loan. The Company selects the measurement method on a
loan-by-loan basis, except for collateral-dependent loans for which
foreclosure is probable must be measured at the fair value of the collateral.
In a troubled debt restructuring involving a restructured loan, the Company
measures impairment by discounting the total expected future cash flows at the
loan's original effective rate of interest.

(g) Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market,
comprised of 1-4 family residential loans, are carried at the lower of cost or
estimated market value, in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized
through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

In May 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights" ("Statement 122") which
eliminated the accounting distinction between rights to service mortgage loans
for others that are acquired through loan origination activities and those
acquired through purchase transactions. Statement 122 requires an entity to
recognize as separate assets rights to service mortgage loans for others,
however those servicing rights are acquired. Statement 122 requires the
periodic evaluation of capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment
based on fair value. On October 1, 1996, this statement was implemented
prospectively. The impact of Statement 122 upon implementation was not
significant to the Company's financial condition or results of operations upon
adoption. Effective January 1, 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("Statement 125") superseded Statement
122. The impact of the implementation of Statement 125 was not significant to
the Company's financial position and results of operations upon adoption.

(h) Real Estate Owned

Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are
to be sold and are initially recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure
establishing a new cost basis. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically
performed by management and the real estate is carried at the lower of
carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from
operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in income
(losses) from real estate operations.

(i) Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation of premises and equipment is provided on the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated lives are
three to fifty years for buildings and improvements and three to ten years for
furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the
straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining term of the related
leases or their estimated useful lives.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements
are capitalized. The cost and accumulated depreciation relating to premises
and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the
accounts and any resulting gains or losses are credited or charged to income.

                                      F-10


<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(j) Goodwill

Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful
life of 15 years. Goodwill is evaluated by management for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
goodwill may not be recoverable based on facts and circumstances related to
the value of net assets acquired that gave rise to the goodwill.

(k) Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes.
Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for
the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory
tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and
liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The tax bad debt reserve method currently available to thrift institutions was
repealed for the Company for the year beginning October 1, 1996. As a result,
the Company must change from the reserve method to the specific charge-off
method to compute its bad debt deduction.

The Company is required generally to recapture into income for tax purposes
the portion of its bad debt reserves (other than the supplemental reserve)
that exceeds its base year reserves (i.e., its tax reserves for the last tax
year beginning before 1988). For financial statement purposes, the Company has
previously provided deferred taxes on the amount of the bad debt reserve in
excess of the base year. Such reserves subject to recapture and base year
reserves were approximately $7.1 million and $14.5 million, respectively, at
September 30, 1997.

The recapture amount resulting from the change in the method of accounting for
its bad debt reserves generally will be taken into taxable income ratably (on
a straight-line basis) over a six-year period. If the Company meets a
"residential loan requirement", as defined for a tax year beginning in 1996 or
1997, the recapture of the reserves will be suspended for such tax year. The
Company met such requirement for the tax year beginning October 1, 1996.

Certain events, as defined, will still trigger a recapture of the base year
reserve. However, the base year will not be recaptured if a thrift converts to
a bank charter or is merged into a bank. The base year reserves also remain
subject to income tax penalty provisions which, in general, require recapture
upon certain stock redemptions of, and excess distributions to, shareholders.
<PAGE>

(l) Pension Plan

The Company's policy is to fund pension costs as they accrue based on normal
cost.

(m) Stock-Based Compensation

In October, 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" (Statement 123). This
standard allows the use of either the fair value based method described in
Statement 123 or the intrinsic value based method prescribed by APB Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." ("APB 25") The Company has
elected to continue accounting for stock based compensation under the APB 25
method and disclose the pro-forma impact of Statement 123.

(n) Statement of Cash Flows

Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in
other banks and Federal funds sold. For purposes of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities when
purchased of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(o) Net Income Per Share

Net income per share totaled $2.66, $1.75 and $2.03 based upon 5,006,312,
4,947,108 and 4,880,054 weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding during the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996,
and 1995, respectively.

(p) Reclassification

Certain amounts included in the 1996 and 1995 consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the 1997
presentation.



                                      F-11
<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(q) Derivative Instruments

The Company does not purchase, sell or enter into derivative financial
instruments or derivative commodity instruments as defined by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 119, "Disclosures about Derivative
Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments."

(r) New Accounting Pronouncements

In June, 1996, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
125 ("Statement 125"), "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." Statement 125, which superseded
Statement 122 as of January 1, 1997, provides accounting and reporting
standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment
of liabilities based on a financial-components approach that focuses on
control. Statement 125 was effective for transfers and servicing of financial
assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring on or after January 1,
1997 and is prospectively applied. Implementation of Statement 125 did not
have a material impact on the financial position or the results of operations
of the Company.

In February, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("Statement 128"). Statement 128 is effective
for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997.
Statement 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per
share ("EPS"), simplifies the standards previously found in APB No. 15,
"Earnings Per Share", and makes them comparable to international EPS
standards. The Company will begin disclosing EPS in accordance with Statement
128 beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 1997.

In June, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("Statement 130"). Statement 130 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Statement 130
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements.
Statement 130 requires all items recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement with
equal prominence as other financial statements. Such statement will be
presented by the Company beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 1998.

In June, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("Statement 131"). Statement 131 is effective for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. Statement 131 establishes standards for the way that public
business enterprises report information about operating segments, based on how
the enterprise defines such segments. The Company is required to report
operating segment information, to the extent such segments are defined,
beginning with the year ended September 30, 1999.


                                      F-12

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2). Investment and Mortgage-backed Securities

The amortized cost and estimated market value of investment and
mortgage-backed securities as of September 30, 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Gross            Gross         Estimated
                                               Amortized       unrealized       unrealized        market
                                                 cost             gains           losses          value
                                               ---------       ----------       ----------      ---------
                                                                  (In thousands)
<S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Available for sale: 
     Treasury notes                            $ 17,982          $    3           $  ---         $ 17,985
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
     FHLB notes                                  29,500             ---               14           29,486
     Other securities                                82             ---              ---               82
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                                 47,564               3               14           47,553
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
 Held to maturity:

     FHLB notes                                   5,000             ---                7            4,993
                                               --------          ------           ------         -------- 
     FHLMC mortgage-backed securities           118,951           1,250              ---          120,201

     FNMA mortgage-backed securities             57,903             850              ---           58,753
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                                176,854           2,100              ---          178,954
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                               $229,418          $2,103             $ 21         $231,500
                                               ========          ======            =====         ========

</TABLE>

The amortized cost and estimated market value of investment and
mortgage-backed securities as of September 30, 1996 are as follows:


<TABLE>                
<CAPTION>              
                                                                                                              
                                                                 Gross            Gross         Estimated      
                                               Amortized       unrealized       unrealized        market       
                                                 cost             gains           losses          value        
                                               ---------       ----------       ----------      ---------      
                                                                  (In thousands)                               
<S>                                           <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>           
Available for sale:
     Treasury notes                            $ 23,457          $  ---            $ 110         $ 23,347 
     FHLB notes                                  10,000              31              ---           10,031

     Other securities                               115             ---              ---              115
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                                 33,572              31              110           33,493 
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
Held to maturity: 
     FHLB notes                                  20,000              16              ---           20,016 
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
     FHLMC mortgage-backed securities           114,072             ---              333          113,739

     FNMA mortgage-backed securities             39,221             328              ---           39,549
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                                153,293             328              333          153,288
                                               --------          ------           ------         --------
                                               $206,865           $ 375            $ 443         $206,797
                                               ========          ======            =====         ========
</TABLE>

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt securities at September
30, 1997 and September 30, 1996 by contractual maturity are shown below.
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.

                                      F-13


<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                       1997                         1996
                                              -----------------------      ------------------------
                                                            Estimated                     Estimated
                                              Amortized       market       Amortized        market
                                                cost          value           cost          value
                                              ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                  (In thousands)


<S>                                           <C>            <C>             <C>           <C> 
Available for sale:
     Due in one year or less                  $ 22,482       $ 22,482       $ 15,505       $ 15,539
     Due in one to five years                   25,000         24,989         17,952         17,839
     Other securities                               82             82            115            115
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                         
                                                47,564         47,553         33,572         33,493
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                         
Held to maturity:                                                                        
     Due in one year or less                      --             --             --             --
     Due in one to five years                    5,000          4,993         20,000         20,016
     Other securities                             --             --             --             --
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                 5,000          4,993         20,000         20,016
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                         
     FHLMC mortgage-backed securities          118,951        120,201        114,072        113,739
                                                                                         
     FNMA mortgage-backed securities            57,903         58,753         39,221         39,549
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                               176,854        178,954        153,293        153,288
                                              --------       --------       --------       --------
                                              $229,418       $231,500       $206,865       $206,797
                                              ========       ========       ========       ========

</TABLE>
              
        
There were no realized gains or losses on available for sale securities during
1997. During 1996, gross realized gains and gross realized losses on available
for sale securities were $19,000 and $0, respectively. As of September 30,
1997, the Company had pledged mortgage-backed securities with a market value
of $493,000 and a carrying value of $481,000 to collateralize the public funds
on deposit. The Company had also pledged mortgage-backed securities with a
market value of $2,040,000 and a carrying value of $1,991,000 to collateralize
Treasury, tax and loan accounts as of September 30, 1997.


                                      F-14

<PAGE>


                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


3). Loans


     Loans are summarized below:
     
                                                     1997              1996   
                                                   --------          --------
     Mortgage loans:                                 (Dollars in thousands)
       Construction 1-4 family                     $ 47,800          $ 43,994
       Permanent 1-4 family                         629,906           584,297
       Multi-family                                  15,326            17,804
       Nonresidential                                54,983            41,970
       Land                                          33,182            29,034
                                                   --------          --------
          Total mortgage loans                      781,197           717,099
                                                   --------          --------
               
     
     
     Other loans:
       Commercial nonmortgage                        11,287             8,199
       Home improvement                              20,614            20,679
       Manufactured housing                          16,399            15,784
       Other consumer                                51,988            44,265
                                                   --------          --------
          Total other loans                         100,288            88,927
                                                   --------          --------
          Total loans receivable                    881,485           806,026
                                                   --------          --------
     
     
     
     Less:
       Loans in process                              32,078            26,788
       Deferred loan fees and discounts               3,446             3,203
       Allowance for loan losses                     11,691            11,016
                                                   --------          --------
                                                     47,215            41,007
                                                   --------          --------
               Total loans receivable, net         $834,270          $765,019
                                                   ========          ========
     Weighted average yield                          8.47%             8.54%

<PAGE>


An analysis of the allowance for loan losses follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1997             1996             1995
                                               --------         --------         --------
                                                             (In thousands)
    <S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>     
    Beginning balance                          $ 11,016         $ 10,083         $  9,434
    Provision for (recovery of) loan
       losses                                       782             (76)              460
    Allowance for loan losses acquired              ---              885              ---
    Charge-offs                                    (262)            (366)            (384)
    Recoveries                                      155              490              573
                                               --------         --------         --------
    Ending balance                             $ 11,691         $ 11,016         $ 10,083
                                               ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

At September 30, 1997 and 1996, loans with unpaid principal balances of
approximately $2,580,000 and $2,172,000, respectively, were 90 days or more
contractually delinquent or on nonaccrual status. Interest income relating to
nonaccrual loans not recognized for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996,
and 1995 totaled approximately $131,000, $140,000 and $231,000, respectively.

As of September 30, 1997 and 1996, approximately $2,377,000 and $2,081,000,
respectively, of loans 90 days or more contractually delinquent were in the
process of foreclosure.

The investment in impaired loans (primarily consisting of classified loans), 
other than those evaluated collectively for impairment at September 30, 1997 
and 1996 was $12,157,000 and $11,053,000 respectively.  The average recorded 
investment in impaired loans during the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 
were approximately $12,122,000 and $13,651,000, respectively.  The total 
specific allowance for loan losses related to these loans was approximately 
$117,000 and $174,000, respectively, on September 30, 1997 and 1996.  Interest 
income on impaired loans of approximately $1,147,000 and $1,346,000 was 
recognized in the year ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.



                                      F-15

<PAGE>



                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


As of September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, mortgage loans
which had been sold on a recourse basis had outstanding principal balances of
$3,185,000 and $4,424,000, respectively.


Accrued interest receivable is summarized below:

   
                                                     1997          1996
                                                    ------         ------   
                                                        (In thousands)
                Loans                               $4,874         $4,625
                Investment securities                  759            676
                Mortgage-backed securities           1,261          1,190
                FHLB stock dividends                   139            130
                                                    ------         ------
                                                    $7,033         $6,621
                                                    ======         ======


The Company is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of
business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of
credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statements of
condition. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the
extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial
instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments
as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit
risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring
procedures. Such commitments are agreements to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of conditions established in the contract. Commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Standby
letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk
involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved
in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds collateral
supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. Since
many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the
total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash
requirements.

Outstanding mortgage loan commitments (excluding loans in process), which
generally expire in 60 days, amounted to approximately $12,254,000 ($4,226,000
fixed rate, interest rates from 6.5% to 9.5%) as of September 30, 1997. In
addition, as of September 30, 1997, the Company had determined that
$16,879,000 may be lent to certain home builders on a variable rate and
home-by-home basis, subject to underwriting and product approval by the
Company.

<PAGE>

4) Loan Servicing

Mortgage loans, including those underlying pass through securities, serviced
for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements. The unpaid principal balances of these loans are summarized as
follows:


                                    1997            1996            1995
                                  --------        --------        --------
                                               (In thousands)
 
    FHLMC                         $ 22,888        $ 30,169        $ 39,252
    FNMA                            34,217          33,521          33,961
    Other Investors                  2,767           3,547           3,873
                                  --------        --------        --------
                                  $ 59,872        $ 67,237        $ 77,086

At September 30, 1997 and 1996, collection of principal and interest to be
remitted to FHLMC and FNMA and advance payment for taxes and insurance
relating to FNMA serviced loans are reflected in the consolidated statements
of financial condition as advance deposits by borrowers for taxes and
insurance.



                                      F-16

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



5). Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned includes the following:


   
                                                      1997        1996
                                                     ------      ------
                                                         (In thousands)
  

   Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans     $ 2,892     $ 4,830
   Allowance for losses                                 (578)     (1,712)
                                                     -------     -------
  
                                                     $ 2,314     $ 3,118
                                                     =======     =======


Activity in the allowance for losses on real estate owned is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  1997                 1996                   1995
                                                  ----                 ----                   ----

                                                                  (In thousands)
 
<S>                                                    <C>                  <C>                   <C>    

   Beginning balance                                   $ 1,712              $ 1,857               $ 2,008
   Provision for (reversal of) losses                    (150)                  117                    35
   Allowance for losses  acquired                            0                   21                   ---
    Charge-offs                                           (984)                (283)                 (186)
                                                      --------              -------              --------


   Ending balance                                     $    578              $ 1,712              $  1,857
                                                      ========              =======              ========
 </TABLE>

Provision for losses on real estate owned is included in income (losses) from
real estate operations in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Legal and consulting fees relating to real estate operations and real estate
owned are included in professional fees on the consolidated statements of
earnings.

(6) Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:



                                                          1997          1996
                                                        --------      --------
                                                            (In thousands)
     Land                                               $ 5,239       $ 3,818
     Buildings and leasehold improvements                 9,170         7,656
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment                    8,080         7,518
                                                         22,489        18,992
     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization      (9,176)       (8,449)
                                                       --------      --------
                                                       $ 13,313      $ 10,543
                                                        =======       =======


Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
totaled $952,000, $902,000, and $729,000, respectively.



                                      F-17

<PAGE>



                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(7) Deposits

Deposits are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     1997                               1996

                                                           Period-end                        Period-end
                                           Amount         stated rate         Amount         stated rate
                                           ------         -----------         ------         -----------
                                                             (Dollars in thousands)
 
<S>                                          <C>           <C>                  <C>           <C>
 Commercial checking                         $  22,032                          $  19,653

 Noninterest-bearing personal                   
     checking accounts                          18,717                             13,961
 NOW                                            52,045       1.32%                 54,806       1.51%
 
 Passbook                                       76,540       1.69%                 77,304       1.78%

 Money market checking                           1,492       1.26%                  1,625       1.32%
 Money market investment                        41,909       2.55%                 40,936       2.63%
 Official checks                                 9,081                              6,661
 
                                               221,816                            214,946
                                               -------
 
 Certificate accounts:
          2.01 - 3.00%                             545                                307
          3.01 - 4.00%                             ---                                  1
          4.01 - 5.00%                          88,472                            155,121
          5.01 - 6.00%                         553,986                            378,999
          6.01 - 7.00%                          46,333                            101,780
          7.01 - 8.00%                             424                                603
          8.01 - 9.00%                             ---                                  3
          Premiums on deposits
              purchased                            ---                                 93
                                               689,760                            636,907
                                             ---------                          ---------
                                             $ 911,576                          $ 851,853
                                             =========                          =========
  Weighted average interest rate                 4.47%                              4.41%

</TABLE>
 

Maturities of outstanding certificates of deposit are summarized as follows:


                                             1997              1996
                                          ---------          ---------
                                                  (In thousands)
               Less than one year          $467,204          $ 438,168
               One to three years           180,702            159,085
               Over three years              41,854             39,654
                                          ---------          ---------
                                          $ 689,760          $ 636,907
                                          =========          =========

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or more
was approximately $62,006,000 and $56,259,000 at September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Balances of individual certificates in excess of $100,000 are
not federally insured.


                                      F-18



<PAGE>



                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     1997          1996          1995
                                                  --------       --------     --------
                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                               <C>            <C>          <C>     
Passbook accounts                                 $  1,356       $  1,506     $  1,718
Now, money market checking, and money market         1,896
investment accounts                                                 1,724        1,782
Certificate accounts                                35,892         31,210       26,127
                                                  --------       --------     --------
                                                  $ 39,144       $ 34,440     $ 29,627
</TABLE>



Early withdrawal penalties for the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and
1995 aggregated $205,702, $173,560 and $229,633, respectively, and are netted
against interest expense on certificate accounts.

Accrued interest payable of $145,989 and $145,831 at September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively, is included in other liabilities.


(8) Short-Term Borrowings

At September 30, 1997, short-term borrowings were comprised of $30 million in
advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) due at various dates through
March, 1998, with fixed terms and fixed interest rates of 5.63% to 5.81% and a
$100,000 note payable, maturing January, 1998, relating to the purchase of
land.


At September 30, 1996, short-term borrowings were comprised of $25 million in
advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) due at various dates through
February, 1997, with fixed terms and fixed interest rates of 5.58% to 5.94%.
<PAGE>

Information concerning short-term borrowings is summarized as follows:


                                                      1997           1996
                                                     (Dollars in thousands)

Average balance during the year                     $ 29,301        $  5,997
                                                    ========        ========
Average interest rate during the year                   5.62%           5.87%
                                                    ========        ========
Maximum month-end balance during the year           $ 40,000        $ 25,000
                                                    ========        ========


(9) Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      1997            1996
                                                                     -------        --------
                                                                        (In thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), due at           
  various dates through December, 2005, with fixed terms and
  fixed interest rates of 5.86% to 6.5%                              $70,000         $70,000
ESOP Loan, maturing December, 1998 with a variable interest
  rate of prime plus .25%, 8.75% at September 30, 1997                   375             674
                                                                     -------        --------
                                                                     $70,375        $ 70,674
                                                                     =======        ========
</TABLE>

Pursuant to a collateral agreement with the FHLB, advances are secured by all
stock in the FHLB and a blanket floating lien that requires the Company to
maintain qualifying first mortgage loans as pledged collateral in an amount
equal to, when discounted at 75% of the unpaid principal balances, the
advances.


                                      F-19


<PAGE>


                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



  At September 30, 1997 and 1996, the FHLB advances and the ESOP loan have
fiscal year maturity dates as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               1997                                  1996
                                    ------------------------------        ------------------------------
Year ending September 30,                         Weighted average                      Weighted average
                                    Amount              rate              Amount              rate
                                    ------        ----------------        ------        ----------------
                                                          (Dollars in thousands)

         <S>                       <C>           <C>                     <C>              <C>  
            1997                   $   ---                ---            $    299              8.50%
            1998                        300              8.75%                300              8.50%
            1999                         75              8.75%                 75              8.50%
            2000                     10,000              6.17%             10,000              6.17%
            2001                      5,000              6.13%              5,000              6.13%
       2002 and after                55,000              6.10%             55,000              6.10%
                                     ------              ----              ------              ---- 
                                   $ 70,375              6.13%           $ 70,674              6.14%
                                   ========              ====            ========              ==== 

</TABLE>

Other interest expense is summarized as follows:


   
                                            1997           1996          1995
                                          -------        -------       ------- 
                                                       (In thousands)
        Advances from the FHLB            $ 5,962        $ 4,593       $ 3,546
        ESOP loan                              49             76           105
        Other                                   4              5             2
                                          -------        -------       ------- 
                                          $ 6,015        $ 4,674       $ 3,653
                                          =======        =======       =======


(10) Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) on income from continuing operations is
summarized as follows:



                                    1997               1996           1995
                                  -------            -------         -------
                                                   In thousands
       Current:
          Federal                 $ 5,868            $ 5,832         $ 3,766
           State                      962                965             633
                                  -------            -------         -------
                                    6,830              6,797           4,399
                                  =======            =======         =======
       Deferred:
          Federal                   1,527            (1,170)           1,334
           State                      254              (195)             225
                                  -------            -------         -------
                                    1,781            (1,365)           1,559
                                  -------            -------         -------
                                  $ 8,611            $ 5,432         $ 5,958
                                  =======            =======         =======






                                      F-20


<PAGE>


                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax
assets and deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 1997 and 1996 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  
                                                                  1997               1996
                                                                -------             -------
                                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>   
Deferred tax assets:
      Allowance for bad debts                                   $ 1,713             $ 1,440 
      Valuation of real estate owned                                626                 704
      Deferred compensation                                         692                 681
      SAIF special assessment                                      --                 1,929
      Other                                                          71                  71
                                                                -------             -------
                                                                  3,102               4,825
      Less valuation allowance                                     (250)               (250)
                                                                -------             -------
      Total deferred tax assets                                   2,852               4,575
                                                                -------             -------
Deferred tax liability                                                             
      Net deferred loan fees and costs                            3,332               3,333
      FHLB stock dividend                                           840                 840
      Premises and equipment depreciation difference                447                 355
      Purchase accounting adjustments                               360                 350
      Cash to accrual adjustment                                     88                 132
      Installment sales                                             128                 128
      Other                                                          17                  16
          Total deferred tax liability                            5,212               5,154
                                                                -------             -------
                                                                  2,360                 579
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities                     (3)                (29)
                                                                -------             -------
        Net deferred tax liability                                2,357                 550
Less liability at beginning of year                                (550)             (2,055)
Deferred tax asset acquired from Treasure Coast                                    
   Bank                                                            --                   111
Change in unrealized loss on available for sale                                    
  securities                                                        (26)                 29
                                                                -------             -------
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes                   $ 1,781             $(1,365)
                                                                =======             =======
</TABLE>

                                                                          

Income tax expense on income from continuing operations is different than the
amount computed by applying the United States Federal income tax rate of 34%
to income from continuing operations before income taxes because of the
following:


                                                 1997       1996      1995
                                                ------     ------    ------
 
Statutory Federal income tax rate                 34.0%      34.0%     34.0%

State income tax (net of Federal income            3.6        3.6       3.6
tax benefit)

Other                                              1.7        1.0       ---
                                                 -----      -----     -----
Effective tax expense rate                        39.3%      38.6%     37.6%
                                                 =====      =====     =====


Deferred income taxes payable of approximately $2,357,000 and $550,000 at
September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are included in other liabilities.
Included in deferred income taxes payable at September 30, 1996 is a net
deferred tax asset of approximately $110,000 acquired from Treasure Coast
Bank, FSB (see note 17).


                                      F-21

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Retained earnings at September 30, 1997 includes approximately $14,500,000
base year tax bad debt reserve for which no deferred Federal and state income
tax liability has been recognized. These amounts represent an allocation of
income to bad debt deductions for tax purposes only. Reduction of amounts so
allocated for purposes other than tax bad debt losses or adjustments arising
from carryback of net operating losses would create income for tax purposes
only, which would be subject to the then current corporate income tax rate.
The unrecorded deferred income tax liability on the above amounts was
approximately $5,600,000 at September 30, 1997.

(11) Regulatory Matters

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by
the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can
initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by
regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the
Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets,
liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under
regulatory accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classification
are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components,
risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the
table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to
risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to
adjusted tangible assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September
30, 1997, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is
subject.

As of September 30, 1997, the most recent notification from the Office of
Thrift Supervision categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well
capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I
risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no
conditions or events since that notification that management believes have
changed the institution's category.



                                      F-22

<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table.

 
Dollars in thousands     
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                    To Be Well Capitalized
                                                             For Capital            Under Prompt Corrective
                                   Actual                 Adequacy Purpose             Action Provisions
                             -------------------         -------------------        ----------------------
                             Amount        Ratio         Amount        Ratio         Amount         Ratio
                             ------        -----         ------        -----         ------         -----
                      
<S>                         <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
As of September 30, 1997
Total Capital (to          
risk-weighted assets)       $89,721        15.15%       $47,371         >8.0%        $59,213        >10.0%

Tier I Capital (to       
risk-weighted assets)        82,269        13.89%        23,685         >4.0%         35,528        > 6.0%

Tier I Capital (to        
adjusted tangible
assets)                      82,269         7.29%        33,842         >3.0%         56,404        > 5.0%

Tangible Capital (to   
adjusted tangible
assets)                      82,269         7.29%        16,921         >1.5%            n/a           n/a

As of September 30, 1996
Total Capital (to        
risk-weighted assets)        87,890        16.13%        43,593        > 8.0%         54,492       > 10.0%

Tier I Capital (to     
risk-weighted assets)        81,030        14.87%        21,797        > 4.0%         32,695        > 6.0% 

Tier I Capital (to           
adjusted tangible            81,030         7.69%        31,609        > 3.0%         52,682        > 5.0%
assets)

Tangible Capital (to     
adjusted tangible           
assets)                      81,030         7.69%        15,805        > 1.5%           n/a           n/a
</TABLE>


The following is a reconciliation of the Bank's capital under generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to regulatory capital (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                      Tangible          Risk-based
                                                                 Equity capital        capital             capital
                                                                 --------------        -------             -------
September 30, 1997
- ------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>     
GAAP capital/equity capital                                         $ 85,307           $ 85,307           $ 85,307
                                                                    ========
Unrealized loss on investment securities available for                                        7                  7
sale, net 

Goodwill                                                                                (3,045)            (3,045)

General valuation allowance                                                                 ---              7,452
                                                                                       --------           --------
Regulatory capital measure                                                             $ 82,269           $ 89,721
                                                                                       ========           ========

</TABLE>



                                      F-23
<PAGE>

                         HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Tangible          Risk-based
                                                                 Equity capital        capital             capital
                                                                 --------------        -------             -------
September 30, 1996

<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>     
GAAP capital/equity capital                                         $ 84,832           $ 84,832           $ 84,832
                                                                    ========

Unrealized loss on investment securities available for                                       49                 49
sale, net

Investment in and advance to nonincludable subsidiary                                     (264)              (264)
required to be deducted

Goodwill                                                                                (3,587)            (3,587)

General valuation allowance                                                                 ---              6,860
                                                                                       --------           --------
Regulatory capital measure                                                             $ 81,030           $ 87,890
                                                                                       ========           ========

September 30, 1995

GAAP capital/equity capital                                         $ 77,500           $ 77,500           $ 77,500
                                                                    ========

General valuation allowance                                                                 ---              5,773
                                                                                       --------           --------
Regulatory capital measure                                                             $ 77,500           $ 83,273
                                                                                       ========           ========

</TABLE>


At September 30, 1997, $8,361,000 of retained earnings is restricted relating
to the dividends on the Company's shares owned by the Holding Company which
have been waived. The dividend waiver was approved by the OTS and is available
only to the Holding Company. The dividend will be accrued only when the
payment of such amount is probable.

In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Mutual Holding Company
in its present mutual form, each depositor of the Bank would receive his pro
rata share of any assets of the Mutual Holding Company remaining after payment
of claims of all creditors. Each depositor's pro rata share of such remaining
assets would be in the same proportion as the value of his deposit account was
to the total value of all deposit accounts in the Bank at the time of
liquidation.

The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that in no event
shall any record owner of any outstanding Common Stock which is beneficially
owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who beneficially owns in excess of
10% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Limit") be entitled
or permitted to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the Limit.

The Company has authorized but not issued preferred stock, subject to
regulatory restrictions and determination of rights and preferences to be
determined by the Board of Directors.

On September 30, 1996, President Clinton signed The Deposit Insurance Funds
Act of 1996, which was intended to recapitalize the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF") and substantially bridge the assessment rate disparity
existing between SAIF and Bank Insurance Fund insured institutions. The new
law subjected institutions with SAIF-assessable deposits, including the Bank,
to a one-time assessment of 65.7 basis points of assessable deposits as of
March 31, 1995, and provides for, among other things, a sharing of FICO bond
obligation fundings by banks and thrifts and the eventual merger of the Bank
Insurance Fund with the SAIF. The Bank's one-time assessment resulted in a
pre-tax charge of approximately $4,552,000, which was paid on November 27,
1996 and, under provisions of the new law, was treated for tax purposes as a
fully deductible "ordinary and necessary business expense" when paid. Results
of operations for the year ended September 30, 1996 include a charge for this
one-time assessment. Additionally, the Bank recorded a pre-tax charge of
approximately $450,000 related to the application of this assessment to
deposits held by Treasure Coast (see note 17) at March 31, 1995. Such charge
was reflected as a cost of the acquisition of Treasure Coast.

                                      F-24

<PAGE>


                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(12) Commitments and Contingencies

As of September 30, 1997, the Company had irrevocable letters of credit
aggregating approximately $501,000.

The Company and certain other entities are defendants in a class action
lawsuit which was filed in May 1991. The plaintiffs in the litigation are
purchasers of parcels of developed and undeveloped land from General
Development Corporation ("GDC") who allege that GDC, through fraudulent means,
induced them to buy land at inflated values. The Company is a defendant in
this matter along with a number of other financial institutions, purchasers of
loans in the secondary market, broker dealers, an insurance company and
numerous other individuals and companies. The involvement of the Company
arises from its purchase from GDC of land sales contracts originated by GDC.
The Company, along with the other defendants, filed a motion to dismiss the
case which was granted. The plaintiffs filed an appeal with the Third Circuit
Court of Appeals which remanded the case to the District Court for
reconsideration. The District Court entered its order dismissing the case
again.

The plaintiffs filed a motion requesting the District Court to amend the
dismissal order to permit the plaintiffs to file another amended complaint.
The District Court denied the plaintiff's motion. The plaintiffs appealed that
order to the Third Circuit and both sides were directed to submit
supplementary briefs. Management believes that the position of the plaintiffs
is without merit.

The Company and subsidiaries are defendants in certain other claims and legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of
management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of
these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries.

(13) Related Party Transactions

Directors, executive officers and principal stockholders of the Company had
certain transactions with the Company in the ordinary course of business, as
described below.

Loan transactions were made on substantially the same terms as those
prevailing at the time for comparable loans to other persons, did not involve
more than normal risk of collectibility, and are performing as agreed.

The summary of changes in the related party loans follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     1997           1996            1995
                                                   -------        -------         -------
                                                               (In thousands)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>             <C>    
         Outstanding loans - beginning of year     $ 1,786        $ 1,478         $ 1,386
         New loans                                   3,015            842             176
         Repayments                                 (2,517)          (534)            (84)
                                                   -------        -------         ------- 
          Outstanding balance - end of year        $ 2,284        $ 1,786         $ 1,478
                                                   =======        =======         =======
</TABLE>
 

The Company paid approximately $150,000, $125,000 and, $159,000 of legal fees
in the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, to a law
firm in which a director of the Company is a partner.

Richard K. Davis, a director of the Company, is also chairman of Richard K.
Davis Construction Corp ("Davis Construction"). In the years ended September
30, 1997 and 1996, the Company paid Davis Construction a total of $27,057 and
$76,887, respectively, for a roof on a new branch facility and re-roofing of
existing branch facilities. Additionally, Davis Construction is currently
constructing a new office and drive-in facility for the Company. This
contract, worth $905,499, was awarded June 25, 1997. The contract was put out
for competitive bid and was awarded to Davis Construction because it submitted
the lowest bid for the contract. During 1997, total payments related to this
contract were $216,795.


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Prior to Richard N. Bird's nomination, and subsequent election, to the Board
of Director's of the Company, Bird Realty Group, Inc. entered into a listing
agreement with the Company on property listed at $3,895,000. The commission
related to the sale could be up to 6% of the selling price if Bird Realty also
becomes the selling broker. The listing expires on December 16, 1997. A
commission of $25,000 was also paid to Bird Realty during 1997 with regard to
the sale of property.

(14) Other Expense

Other expense consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 
                                     1997             1996           1995
                                     ----             ----           ----
<S>                                <C>              <C>           <C>    
         Data processing           $ 1,188          $ 1,092       $   994
         Advertising                   942              735           622
         Postage                       364              294           252
         Insurance                     162              214           216
         Telephone                     280              265           252
         OTS assessment                212              190           171
         Other                       1,639            1,193         1,097
                                   -------          -------       -------
                                   $ 4,787          $ 3,983       $ 3,604
                                   =======          =======       =======
</TABLE>
 

(15) Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate
that value:

Cash and Amounts Due From Depository Institutions, Interest-Bearing Assets in
Other Banks and Federal Funds Sold - The carrying amount of these assets is a
reasonable estimate of their fair value.

Investment Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities Held to Maturity - Fair
value equals quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is
not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar
securities.

Investment Securities Available for Sale - Fair value equals carrying value.

Loans - The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows
using the current rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with
similar credit ratings for the same remaining maturities.

Deposits - The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing checking
accounts, savings and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at
the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated
using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining
maturities.

Short and Long Term Advances from the FHLB - Rates currently available to the
Company for FHLB advances with similar terms and remaining maturities are used
to estimate the fair value of FHLB advances.

ESOP Loan - The carrying amount of the ESOP loan is a reasonable estimate of
fair market value.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - The fair value of
commitments is insignificant.

                                      F-26

<PAGE>

                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at
September 30, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997                              1996
                                               ------------------------          ------------------------
                                               Carrying           Fair           Carrying          Fair
                                                amount            value           amount           value
                                               --------           -----          --------         -------
Assets:                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>     
   Cash and amounts due from depository        $ 16,899          $ 16,899        $ 16,137         $ 16,137
        institutions
   Interest-bearing deposits in other        
        banks                                    15,736            15,736          16,350           16,350
   Federal funds sold                               250               250          16,075           16,075
   Investment securities held to                 
        maturity                                  5,000             4,993          20,000           20,016
   Investment securities available for      
        sale                                     47,553            47,553          33,493           33,493
   Mortgage-backed securities held to           
        maturity                                176,854           178,954         153,293          153,288
   Loans held for sale                              141               144           4,870            4,870
   Loans                                        845,961           858,944         776,035          776,346
   Less allowance for loan losses               (11,691)              ---         (11,016)             ---
                                                -------           -------         -------          -------
   Loans, net                                   834,270           858,944         765,019          776,346
                                                -------           -------         -------          -------
Liabilities
   Commercial checking, non-interest-
      bearing personal, NOW, passbook,
      money market accounts and official
      checks                                    221,816           221,816         214,946          214,946
   Certificate accounts                         689,760           691,406         636,907          638,592
   FHLB advances                                100,000            98,887          95,000           91,882
   ESOP loan                                        375               375             674              674
</TABLE>

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant
market information and information about the financial instrument. These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular
financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company's
financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding
future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These
estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision.
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

(16) Benefit Plans

The Company has a noncontributory-defined benefit pension plan covering all
employees who have attained one year of service and 21 years of age. Pension
expense was $8,500, $7,400, and $8,500, respectively, for the years ended
September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995. The plan is a multi-employer plan. Separate
actuarial valuations are not made for each employer nor are plan assets so
segregated. The assumed average rate of return used in determining the
actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits was 7.5%. The date of the
most recent actuarial evaluation is June 30, 1996.

The Company has a deferred compensation plan for Directors (the "Directors'
Deferred Compensation Plan") who may elect to defer all or part of their
annual director fees to fund the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. The
plan provides that deferred fees are to earn interest at an annual rate equal
to the 30-month certificate of deposit rate, adjusted and compounded
quarterly. At September 30, 1997 and 1996, deferred directors fees included in
other liabilities aggregated $195,069 and $309,790, respectively. Directors
may elect to have their deferred compensation balance invested in shares of
the Company's common stock. When the Company purchases common stock in the
open market to fund such investment, these purchases are reflected as a
reduction in stockholders' equity. Such purchases were approximately $273,000
and $238,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. No shares were purchased in 1995.


                                      F-27

<PAGE>



                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company also has a retirement plan for nonemployee directors (the "Plan").
The annual basic benefit under the Plan is based on a percentage of the
average three years director's fees preceding the termination of service
multiplied by the number of years of service, not to exceed 50% of the average
annual director's fees. During the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and
1995, the charge to earnings relating to the Plan was insignificant.

As part of the reorganization to the stock form of ownership, the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") purchased 149,800 shares of the
Company's common stock at $10 per share, or $1,498,000, which was funded by a
loan from an unaffiliated lender. The ESOP covers all eligible employees of
the Company age 21 and over. The Company makes scheduled cash contributions to
the ESOP sufficient to service the amount borrowed. Dividends paid on
unallocated shares reduce the Company's cash contribution to the ESOP. For the
years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, total contributions to the ESOP,
which were used to fund principal and interest payments on the ESOP debt,
totaled approximately $259,000 and $375,000, respectively. At September 30,
1997, there were 95,356 allocated shares, 22,485 shares committed to be
released, and 37,435 suspense(unallocated and not yet committed to be
released) shares held by the ESOP. Allocated shares and shares committed to be
released are included in the weighted average common shares outstanding used
to compute earnings per share. Total compensation expense charged to earnings
in the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, totaled $1,165,500 and
$766,500, respectively. At September 30, 1997, the fair value of the
unallocated shares was $3,355,520.

Additionally, the Company's Recognition and Retention Plans ("RRP") purchased
64,200 shares at $10 per share totaling $642,000. The funds used to acquire
the RRP shares were contributed by the Company. The purchase price of $642,000
will be amortized as compensation expense ratably over the participants'
vesting period of three years.

The Company's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the "401(k) Plan") covers
all eligible employees of the Company age 21 and over. An eligible employee
may elect to contribute to the 401(k) Plan in the form of deferrals of between
1% and 15% of the total compensation that would otherwise be payable to the
employee. Employee contributions are fully vested and nonforfeitable at all
times. The 401(k) Plan permits contributions by the Company. The Company
intends initially to make matching contributions of 25% of the first 6% of
each participant's contributions. For the years ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, the Company's matching contribution totaled approximately $83,000 and
$75,000, respectively.

At September 30, 1997, the Company had a stock option plan for the benefit of
directors, officers, and other key employees of the Company. The Company
applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its
plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its fixed
stock option plan since stock option exercise prices are equal to market price
at date of grant. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance
under the stock option plan is equal to 214,000 shares, or 9.6% of the total
number of common shares issued in the minority offering pursuant to the
Company's reorganization to the stock form of ownership. The stock options
vest in equal installments over varying periods not to exceed 10 years,
depending upon the individual's position in the Company.


                                      F-28

<PAGE>



                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


A summary of the Company's stock option plan is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                               Years Ended September 30,

                                               1997                      1996                       1995

                                                     Weighted                   Weighted                  Weighted
                                                      average                    average                   average
                                                     exercise                   exercise                  exercise
                                         Number        price        Number        price       Number        price
                                         ------        -----        ------        -----       ------        -----
                               
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>   
Options outstanding beginning of year    170,106       $10.73       191,569       $10.25      208,660       $10.00
Options granted                            4,500       $34.47         4,500       $27.00        7,400       $16.50
Options exercised                        (38,974)      $10.00       (23,463)      $10.00      (16,791)      $10.00
Options forfeited                         (1,334)      $18.95        (2,500)      $10.00       (7,700)      $10.00
                                         -------       ------       -------       ------      -------       ------
Options outstanding end of year          134,298       $11.66       170,106       $10.73      191,569       $10.25
                                         -------       ------       -------       ------      -------       ------

Options exercisable at year-end           50,264                     34,913                    20,792
                                         =======                    =======                   =======
Weighted average fair value of    
    options granted during the year       $ 7.38                     $ 6.60
                                         =======                    =======

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
September 30, 1997:

                                                                               Options exercisable
                               Options outstanding                      ---------------------------------
 Range of         Number        Weighted average   Weighted average        Number        Weighted average
 exercise      outstanding @        remaining         exercise          exercisable @       exercise 
  prices          9/30/97       contractual life       price               9/30/97           price
 --------      -------------    ----------------   ---------------      -------------    ----------------
<S>              <C>                 <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>   
  $10.00         118,398             6.1               $10.00             50,264             $10.00
  $16.50           7,400             7.2               $16.50                ---                ---
  $27.00           4,500             8.1               $27.00                ---                ---
 $33.88 to         3,500             9.1               $33.98                ---                ---
   34.00                                                               
 $38.25 to           500             9.6               $38.50                ---                ---
   40.75                                                               
                                                                    
</TABLE>

Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plans been
determined consistent with Statement 123, the Company's net income and net
income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated
below:


                                                          1997          1996
                                                          ----          ----
         Net income                    As reported      $ 13,327       $ 8,640
                                       Pro forma          13,294         8,611
         Net income per share          As reported          2.66          1.75
                                       Pro forma            2.66          1.74


Only options granted after October 1, 1995 are included in pro-forma amounts.




                                      F-29

<PAGE>

                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The option method used to calculate the Statement 123 compensation adjustment
was the Binomial model with the following grant date fair values and
assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           Number of 
Date of     options         Grant date      Exercise       Risk free       Expected       Expected        Expected
 grant      granted         fair value        price      interest rate   life (years)    volatility       dividend
 -----      -------         ----------        -----      -------------   ------------    ----------       --------
<S>         <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>   
01/06/96      4,500          $ 6.60        $ 27.00          5.421%              5          38.71          $ 1.60
11/27/96      1,000            7.27          33.88           5.912              5          29.89            1.80
01/06/97      3,000            7.13          34.00           6.291              5          28.33            1.80
06/16/97        450            9.01          38.25           6.276              5          30.71            1.90
06/20/97         50           10.05          40.75           6.271              5          31.11            1.90
</TABLE>




(17) Acquisition of Treasure Coast

On June 1, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Treasure Coast Bank, FSB ("Treasure Coast"), a Florida based bank, for
approximately $6.8 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for using
the purchase method. Treasure Coast had assets of approximately $75 million.
The acquisition added one branch to the Company's branch network. The results
of operations of Treasure Coast from June 1, 1996 to September 30, 1996 are
included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in conjunction with
the acquisition of Treasure Coast was as follows:


                                                           (In thousands)

         Cash                                                  $ 2,315
         Investments                                             7,039
         Mortgage-backed securities                                287
         Loans receivable, net                                  62,575
         Accrued interest receivable                               437
         Real estate owned                                          86
         Property and equipment                                  1,778
         Goodwill                                                3,365
         Other assets                                              542
                                                               -------
         Fair value of assets acquired                          78,424
         Deposits                                               70,239
         Other liabilities                                       1,712
                                                               -------
         Fair value of liabilities assumed                      71,951
         Acquisition costs                                         293
                                                               -------
         Purchase of Treasure Coast                              6,766
         Cash acquired                                           2,315
                                                               -------
         Purchase of Treasure Coast, net of cash acquired      $ 4,451
                                                               -------


                                      F-30


<PAGE>

                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following table indicates the estimated net decrease in earnings resulting
from the net amortization/accretion of the adjustments, including goodwill,
resulting from the use of the purchase method of accounting during each of the
years 1997 through 2001. The amounts (in thousands) assume no sales or
dispositions of the related assets or liabilities.


                                                       Net decrease
                                                          of net
                  Years ending September 30,             earnings
                  --------------------------           ------------

                  1997                                      (232)
                  1998                                      (325)
                  1999                                      (325)
                  2000                                      (298)
                  2001                                      (245)
                  Thereafter                              (2,364)
                 

Adjustments to fair value are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which
approximates the level yield method, over the estimated average term of four
years for loans, and one year for deposits. Goodwill does not qualify for
amortization for tax purposes. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over its estimated useful life of 15 years. Goodwill as of September 30,
1997 is $3.0 million.

The following is pro forma information for the years ended September 30, 1996
and 1995 as if the Treasure Coast purchase was consummated on October 1, 1995
and 1994, respectively (in thousands, except for per share data), after giving
effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of goodwill and other
purchase accounting adjustments, and interest income assumed foregone on the
funding of the acquisition:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   For the year ended                For the year ended        
                                                   September 30, 1996                September 30, 1995
                                               --------------------------       ---------------------------
                                               Historical       Pro forma       Historical        Pro forma
                                               ----------       ---------       ----------        ---------
                                                   (Unaudited)                      (Unaudited)
<S>                                            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>     
Interest income                                $ 74,357         $ 77,840         $ 64,885         $ 69,855
Interest expense                                 39,114           41,214           33,281           36,411
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses             (76)             510              460              536
Net interest income after provision     
for loan losses                                  35,319           36,116           31,144           32,908
Net income                                        8,640            7,971            9,895            9,748
Net income per share                             $ 1.75           $ 1.61           $ 2.03           $ 2.00
</TABLE>

These pro forma results may not be representative of the actual results that
would have occurred or may occur in the future.


                                      F-31
<PAGE>
       

                        HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

       
(18) Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
       
The quarterly results of operations for the years ended September 30, 1997 and
1996 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         For the Three Months Ended Fiscal 1997

                                           September 30         June 30          March 31        December 31
                                           ------------         -------          --------        -----------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>     
Interest income                             $ 22,009           $ 21,554         $ 20,723          $ 20,528
Interest expense                              11,777             11,447           11,002            10,932
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Net interest income                      10,232             10,107            9,721             9,596
Provision for loan losses                        326                205              126               125
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Net interest income after               
          provision for loan losses            9,906              9,902            9,595             9,471
Total other income                             1,318              1,041              860               994
Total other expenses                           5,442              5,318            5,106             5,282
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Income before income taxes             $  5,782           $  5,625         $  5,349           $ 5,183
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======
Net income                                  $  3,510           $  3,416         $  3,301           $ 3,101
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======
Net income per share (1)                    $   0.70           $   0.68         $   0.66           $  0.62
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         For the Three Months Ended Fiscal 1996
                                           September 30         June 30          March 31        December 31
                                           ------------         -------          --------        -----------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>     
Interest income                             $ 19,885           $ 18,618         $ 18,221          $ 17,632
Interest expense                              10,461              9,754            9,471             9,428
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Net interest income                       9,424              8,864            8,750             8,204
Provision for loan losses                         72                (19)              28              (158)
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Net interest income after                 9,352              8,883            8,722             8,362
          provision for loan losses
Total other income                               744                562              827               752
Total other expenses (2)                       9,481              4,857            5,057             4,737
                                            --------           --------         --------          --------
     Income before income taxes             $    615           $  4,588         $  4,492          $  4,377
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======
Net income                                  $    390           $  2,807         $  2,736          $  2,707
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======
Net income per share (1)                    $   0.08           $   0.57         $   0.55          $   0.55
                                            ========           ========         ========           =======
</TABLE>

(1) Net income per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the quarters.
Adjustments have been made, where material, to give effect to the shares that
would be outstanding, assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options, all of
which are considered common stock equivalents.

(2) The quarter ended September 30, 1996 amounts include a one time SAIF
assessment of $4,552,000.

(19) Subsequent Event

On August 27, 1997, the Company announced that the Board of Directors of their
Mutual Holding Company, Harbor Financial, M.H.C., has determined to convert
the Mutual Holding Company to a capital stock corporation. Upon completion of
the Conversion, the Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist. Pursuant to
the Plan of Conversion, shares of Harbor Florida Bancorp, Inc. previously held
by the Mutual Holding Company will be sold. The remaining shares will be sold
in subscription and community offerings. The Conversion is expected to be
completed in the first calendar quarter of 1998.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

Direct costs of the sale of stock, if completed, will be recorded as a
reduction in proceeds from the sale of stock and applied to paid in capital.
If the sale of stock is not completed, such costs will be charged to expense.
At September 30, 1997, $30,000 of such costs had been incurred and were
included in other assets on the balance sheet.

The Plan of Conversion provides for the establishment, upon the completion of
the Conversion, of a special "liquidation account" for the benefit of Eligible
Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal
to the amount of any dividends waived by the Mutual Holding Company plus the
greater of (1) 100% of the Bank's retained earnings of $34.5 million at
September 30, 1992, the date of the latest balance sheet contained in the
final offering circular utilized in the Bank's initial public offering in the
Mutual Holding Company Reorganization, or (2) 53.41% of the Bank's total
stockholders' equity as reflected in its latest balance sheet contained in the
final Prospectus utilized in the Offerings plus the amounts distributed to the
mid-tier holding company by the Bank at the formation of the Mid-tier Holding
Company. Each eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account
Holder, if such person were to continue to maintain such person's deposit
account at the Bank, would be entitled, upon a complete liquidation of the
Bank after the conversion, to an interest in the liquidation account prior to
any payment to the Company as the sole stockholder of the Bank.

For a period of one year after the date of the Conversion, total dividends
paid to stockholders must not exceed the net income of the Company during the
one year period.

Pursuant to OTS regulations, certain restrictions will be imposed upon
directors, executive officers and their associates, and the Company with
respect to stock purchases for the period following completion of the
Conversion.








                                      F-33

<PAGE>


         No person has been  authorized to give any  information  or to make any
representations  in connection  with this offering other than those contained in
this   Prospectus   and,  if  given  or  made,   such  other   information   and
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Bancshares.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under
any  circumstances,  create any implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of Bancshares  since the date hereof or that the  information  contained
herein is correct as of any time  subsequent to its date.  This  Prospectus does
not  constitute  an  offer  to sell or a  solicitation  of an  offer  to buy any
securities  other  than the  registered  securities  to which it  relates.  This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy such securities in any circumstances or jurisdictions in which such offer or
solicitation is unlawful.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY......................................................1
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA........................12
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.........................................15
RISK FACTORS................................................19
HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES,
  INC.......................................................25
HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.................................25
HARBOR FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.................................26
HARBOR FINANCIAL, M.H.C.....................................27
USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................27
DIVIDEND POLICY.............................................28
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK.....................................29
CAPITALIZATION..............................................30
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CAPITAL COMPLIANCE.................33
PRO FORMA DATA..............................................35
HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED
  CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS..........................39
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.......................40
BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCSHARES, INC..................52
BUSINESS OF HARBOR FLORIDA BANCORP, INC.....................53
BUSINESS OF HARBOR FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.....................55
REGULATION..................................................83
MANAGEMENT OF BANCSHARES....................................92
MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK......................................92
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK.......................103
PROPOSED SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND
  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.......................................105
THE CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION..........................106
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDERS'
  RIGHTS IN BANCORP AND
  BANCSHARES...............................................123
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION
  OF THE COMPANY...........................................124
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
  OF BANCSHARES............................................127
LEGAL AND TAX MATTERS......................................129
EXPERTS....................................................129
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS..................................129
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................130
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................F-1

     Until the later of March 6,  1998,  or 25 days  after  commencement  of the
Offering  all  dealers  effecting  transactions  in the  registered  securities,
whether or not participating in this distribution,  may be required to deliver a
prospectus.  This is in  addition  to the  obligation  of  dealers  to deliver a
prospectus  when  acting  as  underwriters  and with  respect  to  their  unsold
allotments or subscriptions.

<PAGE>

                           FROM 19,731,024 (MINIMUM)
                   TO 26,694,915 SHARES (ANTICIPATED MAXIMUM)


                                  COMMON STOCK


                                   ----------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                                   ----------


                     FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.


                                JANUARY 27, 1998





© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission